WARRINGTON South MP Sarah Hall has announced that she has secured an additional investment of £2.2m in flood defence schemes across Warrington South.
In Warrington South, three schemes in areas impacted by flooding have been confirmed for funding. These include:
• £1.5m for Sankey Brook Flood Risk Management Scheme to progress the project onto the Outline Design Development stage.
• £200k for the Penketh and Whittle Flood Risk Management Scheme to complete final works.
• £500k for Liverpool Road Sankey Bridges Surface Water Scheme, to mitigate surface water flooding.
Across the North West, more than 68 projects are set to receive support under the Labour government and Environment Agency programmes. The projects aim to protect homes and businesses, boost the local economy, and create quality construction and infrastructure jobs.
The increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, continues to place pressure on communities, infrastructure and the economy. The government’s investment intends to provide targeted protection for at risk areas and build long-term resilience into local infrastructure.
Commenting on the funding Sarah Hall Member of Parliament for Warrington South said: “I’m delighted that I have secured £2.2m in funding for flood defence schemes in Warrington South.
“This investment will support three local schemes focused on long-term defence, and helping to safeguard homes and businesses in areas at risk across our town.
“Flooding devastated communities across Warrington in January and I have made it my personal mission to secure this additional funding.
“Since then, I’ve worked to secure the support needed from Ministers and the Environment Agency to ensure we are better prepared in the future. This funding is a step in the right direction, and I’m pleased to see progress being made.
“The funding announced today allows the Environment Agency to commence and progress the Outline Design Development stage for the Sankey Brook Flood Risk Management Scheme.
“I want to be honest with constituents that this is a process, and the scheme is still a number of years from completion. Previously, other elected officials had made promises they couldn’t keep about the Sankey Brook project.
“I know there were deep frustrations after the Storm Christoph floods in 2021 and subsequent New Year’s Day floods in 2025 that action had not been taken.
“The announcement today sets out clearly that we are now entering the Outline Design Development Stage. Due to the complex nature of flood defences and ensuring any new measures do not have an adverse impact elsewhere, this Stage is expected to be completed within 2 years.”
“Following the completion of the outline design development stage and the subsequent detailed design – currently programmed for Spring 2029 we will then move on to the construction of the flood defence infrastructure. The estimated Project value is £100m and there is currently a funding shortfall of around £30m. This funding shortfall will need to be addressed prior to construction starting in summer 2029. Construction works are expected to be completed within a two-and-a-half-year period.
“I want to reassure constituents that I’m working tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Sankey Flood Risk Management Scheme a reality but due to its complex nature, this will not be an overnight fix.
“This isn’t the end of the road. Too many homes remain at risk, and while we may never be able to eliminate the threat of flooding entirely, I will continue working with partners like the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, the Environment Agency, United Utilities and Warrington Borough Council to reduce that risk and protect our communities as best we can.”
Charlotte Nichols Member of Parliament for Warrington North added: “I am pleased that the Environment Agency are moving forward on the next steps in delivering the Sankey Brook Flood Management Scheme.
“I am sure that constituents affected by the flooding on New Year’s Day in Callands will be reassured by the news that progress is happening.
“The proposals are concrete starting blocks to delivering the protection residents across Warrington need as our climate continues to change and effect our local environment.”
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said: “I know from firsthand experience the devastating impacts that flooding can cause.
“The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record following 14 years of Conservative neglect.
“Through our Plan for Change, we are supporting schemes in Warrington South, ensuring residents have the long-term protection they need while boosting local growth and creating new jobs.”
