SIX areas of Warrington have been put on flood alert for today's high tides.

The Environment Agency has issued the warning for the Fiddlers Ferry area including the Sailing Club, The Ferry Tavern and Riverside Trading Estate. 

Andrew Mulholland is landlord at The Ferry Taven on Station Road, which flooded badly during storms on December 5. 

He has prepared for today's expected flood by clearing the pub of furniture, and removing carpets and stock, with help from family and friends.

Doors and windows have been boarded up, Warrington Borough Council has supplied 50 sandbags, and a water pump has been hired.

Mr Mulholland said he is 'fearing the worst but hoping for the best'. 

"We are more prepared than last time and it's fresh in the memory of what we need to do. 

"Anything that isn't nailed down has been moved above bar height." 

The father-of-one said the Environment Agency has warned water levels are expected to rise enough for banks of the Mersey to be breached, although they are predicted to be 25cm lower than levels seen last month. 

Mr Mulholland added: "If water comes in we will try to keep levels down as low as possible. 

"My phones not stopped ringing with people who want to come and help. 

"There is not much more we can do."

Other flood warnings are in place for the Chester Road around the Brian Bevan Island, the Mersey Estuary at Eastford Road and the Bank Quay area of town at the industrial estates.

Warnings are also in place for Kingsway North around Bennett Avenue, Princess Avenue, Bibby Avenue, Peacock Avenue, Kingsway North and the units behind Farrell Street where the ambulance station is.

A warning is also in place for Howley around Riverside Retail Park, Wharf Street, the Wharf Street industrial estate, Riverside Close, Parr Street, Cleeves Close, Harbord Street, Fairclough Avenue and Sutton Street

All these warnings are in force for this high tide only which is expected between 1pm and 2pm today, Friday.