Warrington Floods: Huge clean up task ongoing as homes left without power

THE “huge task” of cleaning up following flooding issues across Warrington will be ongoing over the weekend with some homes still without power.

The council and partner agencies will be prioritising those areas worst affected following floods caused by the highest water levels ever recorded, as they work to get people back in their homes.
Homes around the Bowness Avenue area of Orford have also been cut off today following reports of smoke coming from a manhole cover. Firefighters lifted the grid and took temperature readings with a thermal imaging camera. Due to the smoke and the high readings, a cordon was set up.
With firefighters suspecting that water from a hydrant was affecting electrics underground, Scottish Power and United Utilities were informed of the incident and attended the scene.
Warrington Borough Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden said: “We have been dealing with extreme weather this week. We have recorded water levels 450mm higher than we have ever recorded before, so despite council officers distributing up to 6000 sandbags and setting up pumps in other locations, there has sadly been a number of breached properties and flooded highways.
“Calmer weather over the last 24 hours has allowed council officers to now begin coordinating a huge clean-up operation for the borough, prioritising the areas most affected by this week’s flooding.
“We have got sweepers and gully vehicles out across the borough and they’re making good progress in some of our hardest-hit areas, including but not limited to, Bewsey and Dallam, Orford, Great Sankey and Lymm. We are also working with Cheshire Police to remove stranded cars and clear highways. This work will continue into and over the weekend.
“This is a huge task that will require a great deal of work but I am pleased to report that some of the streets where we have seen considerable flooding this week, such as Liverpool Road, Densham Avenue and Longshaw Street, are been prioritised and cleared.
“We know we have a long way to go before life can get back to normal for many of our residents who have been affected by the floods, and know that some properties are currently without power. We are working with our partners to address these issues as a matter of urgency and our priority is to continue our work to get people back home, as soon as it is safe to do so. Officers are also conducting safe and well checks to vulnerable people who are known to us.
“For those who have been affected, please make sure you speak to your home insurance company if you are a homeowner, or to your landlord/ housing provider if you live in rented accommodation or social housing. They will be able to give you advice on the next steps in terms of accommodation options if necessary, and repairs to your property.
“We’ve seen a huge community spirit in Warrington from our residents and their families with offers of support. But, with the threat of coronavirus and the current lockdown restrictions we are asking people to be extra cautious, to follow the basics of ‘hands, face, space’ and to stay at home wherever possible. We must not forget that this indiscriminate virus thrives in places where people are mixing, so do not let your guard down.
“I am extremely grateful for the work of our council officers, agencies, blue light services and housing providers for their committed efforts during what has been another challenging week for our town.