Design phase starts on Sankey Brook Flood Scheme after MP helps secure £2m funding

THE long-awaited Sankey Brook Flood Risk Management Scheme is now officially underway, with engineers beginning the outline design development required to deliver a full-scale flood defence plan for Warrington South along Sankey Brook, Dallam Brook and Canal.

Warrington South MP Sarah Hall, who earlier this year helped secure more than £2 million in government funding to get the project to this stage, confirmed the outline design contract was awarded to engineering firm Jacobs earlier this month.
The contract will focus on building a reliable evidence base to guide future detailed design. The work will take around 18 months and includes verifying key data, assessing ground conditions and refining hydraulic modelling.
The scheme aims to protect some of Warrington’s most flood-prone neighbourhoods, including Sankey Bridges, Dallam and Bewsey, following devastating floods earlier this year and in 2021.

Speaking in Parliament last week, Ms Hall said:“Flooding causes real worry in parts of Warrington South. On New Year’s Day, I was out supporting residents, directly helping people find alternative accommodation, delivering hot meals when the power was out, and launching a fundraiser to support families.
“The impact of the flooding was devastating, and for many, the recovery is ongoing.
“Residents of Sankey Bridges, Penketh, Dallam and Bewsey know all too well what it means to live with the constant risk of flooding.
“That is why I have worked hard to secure over £2 million in additional funding to move the Sankey Brook flood risk management scheme into its design phase, and why I will keep fighting for that important scheme.”

Sarah Hall MP

Ms Hall said the outline design process was essential to avoid creating new risks elsewhere in Warrington. She also confirmed that if construction funding is secured, the full flood defence works could be completed by 2032.
She added: “In the past, promises were made without a plan and people were let down. I won’t repeat those mistakes.
“Unfortunately, even now, there are some making big claims about this scheme without understanding how complex it really is. It’s easy to say what people want to hear. It’s much harder to be honest, to do the work, and to stay present.
“I’ve always said I’ll be honest and upfront about the challenges because that’s what people deserve. This scheme isn’t a quick or simple fix, and we are a number of years away from completion, but it matters.
“I’ll keep being straight with residents about what’s involved and I’ll keep campaigning for the long-term vital investment and practical support our communities need.”