THE second part of Warrington’s new flood defence scheme has been given the go ahead by councillors.

Members of the council’s development management committee agreed plans for a series of flood walls and embankments in Howley when they met on Thursday.

Construction is scheduled to begin this summer after work is finished on the first phase of building works, which are currently under way close to Victoria Park.

The third and final phase of the scheme will be build in Woolston, Padgate, Kingsway North, Cinnamon Brow and Latchford East and is scheduled for construction in summer 2014, for completion in spring 2015.

The finished flood defences will reduce the risk of flooding to over 2,000 homes and businesses in Warrington from the Mersey and its tributaries.