Councillor's flood warning

A WARRINGTON councillor is urging local residents to sign up for a free flood warning service, in the wake of the disastrous flooding in Cumbria.
Coun Paul Kenny, (pictured) who represents the Fairfield and Howley area, says it is still not possible to rule out flooding from the Mersey, even though there have been no serious incidents since 1990.
Floodline Warnings Direct is an Environment Agency service which can be obtained by calling 0845 9881 188.
It provides flood warnings direct to householders or businesses by telephone, mobile, email, SMS text message and fax.
Coun Kenny said: “We must do everything we can to try to reduce the chances of the 1990 floods happening again, although we know that in future more extreme conditions are likely. We have only had to view our TV screens recently to see the clear and present danger that flooding provides.”
Warrington Borough Council will have more say over dealing with local flood risk as a result of plans set out in the Flood and Water Management Bill published by the Government, according to Coun Kenny.
The bill addresses many of the recommendations from Sir Michael Pitt’s review of the summer floods of 2007, giving authorities that manage flood risk better powers to do so.
Coun Kenny urges residents to use the flood warning service – particularly those living in the Howley and Paddington Bank areas.