£34 million flood defence scheme opens in Warrington

One of the highest value flood defence schemes to be built in Warrington to date has officially opened, with Sir James Bevan – Chief Executive of the Environment Agency –  putting in an appearance.

According to the Environment Agency, more than 2,000 Warrington-based homes and businesses are set to benefit from the multi-million pound flood defence scheme.

Warrington has a unfortunate history of flooding, thanks in part to it’s placement on low-lying land close by the River Mersey and its tributaries. The works have bolstered flood protection across nine separate residential and public districts, all of which must come as great relief to the families and businesses most affected.

“The scheme not only brings flood risk benefits but the work in the area is also good news for walkers, birdwatchers and wildlife,” said Sir James Bevan.

“It’s been great to see the Environment Agency working together in partnership to better protect Warrington – a fine example of what can be achieved by working with others. These new flood defences will not only benefit hundreds of homes and businesses in the area but will also safeguard critical infrastructure, vital in keeping the town moving.”

Owing to scale and complexity of the project, the flood defence scheme took place over three separate phases, with different elements entering into operation at various times. Phase I actually prevented 200 Warrington properties from flood waters during the disastrous December 2013 high tides. Funnily enough, the approximate value of the damage averted would have covered the actual cost of the first phase.

Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey said: “Warrington’s new £34 million flood scheme will reduce the flood risk to over 2,000 homes and businesses, and protect vital infrastructure helping to bring investment to the area.

“This scheme is an excellent example of how working together with councils and local businesses allows us to make the most of government funding to secure the best possible defences for communities. By 2021, we will have invested £47 million in flood defences to better protect 4,280 homes in Cheshire.”

Comprising five kilometres of flood wall and 2.2 kilometres of embankment, the 7.2 kilometre scheme has helped improve amenity and recreational opportunities, as well as habitat conditions along the river corridor.

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