THE Environment Agency (EA) will reimburse costs or repair properties damaged in Kingsway North and Paddington Bank following its River Mersey flood management works.

Phase 3A of the scheme in Cinnamon Brow has taken longer than planned due to delays in the design and fabrication of the precast concrete walls that form the new flood defence but it is scheduled to be completed in October.

The EA has received complaints from concerned residents after damage to their homes but it has confirmed measures are in place to ensure the situation is resolved.

"The River Mersey flood management scheme in Warrington will protect 2,358 homes and businesses from flooding," said an EA spokesman.

"We have investigated reports from residents of damage to their properties at Kingsway North and Paddington Bank as a consequence of our construction activities.

"Baseline property condition surveys were carried out before the works started – these have now been compared with structural surveys which have taken place during the last month.

"We have advised the affected residents that if there has been any damage to their property as a consequence of our activities then we will either undertake the necessary repairs as part of our works or reimburse reasonable costs for them to address the repairs themselves."

But despite the concerns by some residents, many are pleased by the work being carried out, including Paddington Bank resident Lynda Eagan.

Ms Eagan's home has not been damaged and she admits there has been disruption but believes the work is vital in order to protect homes in years to come.

"There is disruption and it is inconvenient but it is nothing like the delays that there will be if houses are flooded," she said.

"It is about six months of inconvenience but then we can all sleep easy and houses will be easier to insure.

"It is a flood risk area and people have found it difficult to insure homes here.

"Two to three years ago my insurance with Direct Line was less than £500 but then it went up to £1000 – we need something done to help bring the insurance and risks down for us all.

"In some cases the insurers would see the postcode and then would not be willing to give an online quote so it has been a big problem."

A drop-in session for residents in the area is being put on once a fortnight.

For updates on the work or to view details of meetings visit the Paddington Bank Flood Defence Group on Facebook.