A power cut and loss of water supply at Winwick and serious flooding at nearby Burtonwood has prompted a call for urgent action by local Cllr Stuart Mann.
Cllr. Mann is seeking answers from SP Energy Networks regarding the power cuts at Winwick, which also resulted in the loss of water supplies in the area. He is also seeking an urgent meeting with council officers to tackle serious flooding issues in the area.
Flooding issues were reported in Green Lane, Southworth Road, Hollins Lane and Myddleton Lane.
Cllr Mann said: “To say yesterday was a challenge in terms of issues across Burtonwood and Winwick is rather an understatement.
“According to SP energy networks the power cut that occurred around breakfast time was caused by a third party, the result of which meant some properties across Winwick and Hermitage Green were without power for most of the day. In some cases industrial generators were brought in to maintain a supply.
“The problem with power cuts in Winwick is that when they occur it also means ‘usually’ that the water supply is cut off too. I believe this is because the water is pumped from the Waterworks (on Waterworks lane). So no power means no water.
“I have written to SP Energy to try and ask if they can disclose ‘who’ the third party was / is. To be clear there is no confirmation as yet of who it is and until I get that all else is speculation.
“The Waterworks doesn’t just supply water to Winwick & Hermitage Green it is the source for over 20,000 homes locally and so the knock-on effect was low or no pressure in Burtonwood.
Thankfully I believe as of 0600 this morning all properties should have power and water but if this is not the case then please do report on the links below.
“That leads me to the terrible flooding across the ward and in particular Burtonwood, which for years has suffered on key routes into the village.
“Warrington Borough Council states on its website that drains and gullies are subject to a regular schedule of clearing and cleaning.
“When I was elected back in May one of the first things I did was to log as many known flooding hotspots as possible across the ward for clearance and since that point whenever I have come across a blocked drain or gullyI have logged once more.
“That said, even with consideration to the multiple flood warnings and blocked roads across the whole of Warrington I am seriously concerned that this ‘regular schedule’ for one reason or another hasn’t been maintained.
“That may be down to many factors but none the less I do not believe it’s adequate or regular enough for a rural ward such as ours.
“I certainly don’t want to be out again at 10pm raking out drains and neither should you.
“A request for an urgent meeting with council officers to discuss and agree ongoing mitigation and a longer-term solution has been made.
“I am hoping it will happen and the very valid concerns of the entire community of Burtonwood & Winwick are listened to.
“In the meantime, it is the WBC Cllr surgeries this week at 0900 at Burtonwood Library and 1100 at Winwick Leisure centre.
“Please do come along if you would like to raise any concerns.
“Or email me.”
[email protected]
Helpful links if you need them.
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/blockeddrain
https://www.nationalgrid.com/power-cuts
https://www.unitedutilities.com/emergen…/report-a-problem/