A THAMES barrier-style barrage/weir on the Sankey Canal, above Bewsey Lock, would solve a water supply crisis.
The proposal has been put forward by canal campaigner Jeff Round, of the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS).
He says the move would ensure there was sufficient water in the canal at Halton and also crease significant flood protection for all towns on the canal – including Warrington and St Helens.
Water levels have been maintained in the canal since 1985 by pumping at the Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station. But with the plant being decommissioned in March, the pumping ceased causing reduced levels in Halton…
Boats have run aground, fish have had to be rescued and there have also been other impacts on wildlife.
The matter has been discussed in Parliament, with both Warrington South MP Andy Carter and Halton MP Derek Twigg criticising Halton Council.
Halton has allocated £500,000 over five years to deal with the issue.
Mr Round says a barrage/weir above Bewsey Lock would solve the problem. It would have to be similar to the Thames Barrier – having the ability to be lowered to allow flood water to pass through, then being raised towards the end of a flood event to capture water again.
A new sluice at Bewsey Lock would allow water into the lower reaches at times of low flow, as per the original design of the 200-year-old canal, although volunteers have cleared the original sluice and found it to be in good condition and requiring little repair work.
Mr Round said the canal should be restored along it original length from Blackbrook to Sankey Lock and through to Spike Island using modern remote-controlled valve systems which could, at times of imminent flooding, could lower levels in preparation for the increased water flow.
This significant control of flooding and water supply would easily justify the work and investment required, he added.
Volunteers from SCARS and other organisations will be working again this weekend to clear the overflow for Bewsey Lock and Mr Round is offering to lead a walk of the area, to explain how the proposals would work.
He said: “We know they would work because they have worked for 200 years.”
