Warrington South MP Sarah Hall has confirmed that the Environment Agency is due to begin ground investigation work for the Sankey Brook Flood Risk Management Scheme this autumn.
The investigations are the next practical stage of the long-awaited project, which aims to reduce flood risk from Sankey Brook, Dallam Brook and Longford Brook.
The first phase will use geophysical surveys and Ground Penetrating Radar to map what lies beneath the surface and locate buried pipes and cables. This non-intrusive work is planned to begin in autumn 2026.
Further investigations are then planned for early 2027. These will include boreholes, trial pits and soil testing to examine the condition and stability of the ground and check for any contamination.
The information gathered will help engineers move into the next stage of detailed design and ensure that any future flood defences can be built safely.
The work is being made possible by the additional £1.365 million secured for the scheme earlier this year by Sarah Hall MP, increasing its total allocation for 2026/27 from £1.1 million to £2.465 million.
Environmental and ecological surveys, bridge inspections and surveys of local channels, culverts and land levels have already been completed.
The scheme covers communities including Dallam, Bewsey, Whitecross, Sankey Bridges and Callands, where residents have repeatedly called for progress following serious flooding in recent years.
Further information about the scheme can be found on the Flood Hub here https://thefloodhub.co.uk/sankeybrookfrmswarrington/
Ms. Hall said: “I can confirm that the Environment Agency is due to begin the first ground investigations this autumn, with boreholes, trial pits and soil testing planned to follow early next year.
“I want to be honest with residents. Construction isn’t starting yet, but this work needs to happen to get the design right.
“Engineers need to build a clear picture of what lies beneath the ground before they can complete the detailed design and work out exactly what needs to be built.
“This is a huge project and there isn’t a simple solution to reducing flood risk in Dallam, Bewsey and Sankey Bridges. Any future flood defences need to be safe, but they also need to protect communities without simply moving the risk of flooding somewhere else.
“I know people have waited a long time to see this scheme move forward. I’ll keep residents updated as the investigations get underway and as we get a clearer picture of what comes next.”
