More Mersey flood defence work approved

DETAILED plans for a further phase of flood defence work on the Mersey at Warrington have been given the green light by borough council planners.
The scheme involves land at Bridge Lane Industrial Estate, Woolston Weir, the rear of Weir Lane/Edwards Gardens, Woolston and at Thelwall Viaduct.
Members of the development management committee were told the work would comprise flood defences upstream and downstream of Woolston Weir, at the Bridge Lane Industrial Estate and temporary works at Thelwall Viaduct.
They would comprise a combination of new flood walls and embankments to protect against flooding likely to occur once in 100 years.
Local residents and landowners had been consulted but while some staff and equipment vehicles would use Weir Lane to reach the site, heavy plant, sheet piles and bulk materials would be delivered by barges and pontoons on the Mersey, which could be launched from near Thelwall Viaduct, from Latchford Locks or from Irlam.
The over-riding objective of the scheme is to reduce the risk of flooding to people, property and the environment.