A new drainage system and pump station to tackle flooding in Sankey Bridges, Warrington, costing £964,000, has now been completed.
In September 2025, Warrington Borough Council announced a vital flood risk management project to protect 62 homes and businesses along Liverpool Road, Sankey Bridges.
The project, designed and project managed by the council’s in-house engineering and flood risk management team, has now been completed, on schedule.
The collaboration between the council, the Environment Agency, and United Utilities addresses an urgent local need while enhancing long-term climate resilience. The council secured partnership funding totalling £946,000, with £546,000 coming from the Environment Agency (Flood Defence Grant in Aid) and £400,000 coming from United Utilities (Sustainable Water Fund).
Liverpool Road sits in a natural low point between Hood Lane and Marina Avenue, causing heavy rainfall to accumulate rapidly and inundate the drainage network, resulting in flooding. It is a recognised hotspot, with severe flooding recorded since the 1960s, and major events in 2007, 2018, and Storm Christoph in 2021.
The project has delivered a new drainage system along Liverpool Road and Hood Lane, including drainage kerbs and an automated pumping station to capture and safely remove surface water. A dedicated power supply and backup overflow connection to the United Utilities network have also been installed to improve resilience.
The scheme also includes erosion protection works within the Sankey Canal and the resurfacing of the highway and footway between Marina Drive and Hood Lane. The road profile has been improved to help direct water more effectively into the drainage system, reducing the risk of flooding.
Key benefits of the project include:
- Climate resilience: Increased local capacity to manage future extreme weather events.
- Infrastructure relief: Diverts surface water away from the combined sewer network, reducing foul flooding risks.
- Sankey Canal restoration: Project provides a vital water supply to the Warrington section of the canal, maintaining a critical biodiversity corridor following the closure of Fiddlers Ferry Power Station.
- Keeping Liverpool Road moving: By reducing the risk of flooding, the project aims to ensure Liverpool Road stays open and travel disruptions are minimised.
Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “It’s great news that this project has been successfully designed and delivered by our in-house team. We know the deep distress and anxiety repeated flooding has caused local residents for decades, exacerbated by the impact of climate change.
“We’re committed to doing everything possible to minimise future flood risks. Because flood risk funding is extremely limited, I am incredibly pleased that our collaboration with United Utilities and the Environment Agency successfully secured £946,000 to deliver this vital work. Combined with the road resurfacing, this project represents a massive improvement for the local community.”
