The Environment Agency and Warrington Borough Council today marked the official opening of the new £34 million flood defense scheme.
According to the EA, more than 2,000 Warrington homes and businesses will benefit from the town’s multi-million pound flood project, officially opened by the Environment Agency Chief Executive, Sir James Bevan and the town’s Mayor, Cllr. Les Morgan.
“ These new flood defenses will not only benefit hundreds of homes and businesses in the area but will also safeguard critical infrastructure, vital in keeping the town moving ,” commented Sir James Bevan .
Due to the scale and complexity of works, the scheme was delivered in 3 phases – parts of which have been effectively operating for some time.
Phase one (the Knutsford Road section) was put to the test during the 2013 December high tides, preventing some 200 properties from being flooded. The predicted value of damage to properties that would have otherwise occurred, covered the actual cost of this section of the scheme.
Comprising 5km of flood walls and 2.2km of embankment, the 7.2km scheme has improved amenity and recreational opportunities, as well as habitat conditions along the river corridor.