CONSERVATIVE minister Thérèse Coffey warned residents their homes and businesses are still at risk if the River Mersey bursts its banks during a visit to Victoria Park's flood defences.

The Suffolk MP, who grew up in Liverpool and said she was sad to see that Mr Smith’s had gone when she arrived in Warrington, joined members of the Environment Agency at the park on Knutsford Road.

The Government has invested £29 million in the River Mersey defences and partners including Warrington Borough Council have added a further £5 million to the scheme.

When the plans are complete, 4.5 miles of flood walls will protect 2,400 properties across the town.

“It’s really lovely to see this scheme and we know more work is going to be completed next year which will better protect homes and businesses,” said Ms Coffey.

“Everybody knows how devastating flooding can be, especially if you have experienced it. We are trying to see what we can do to make sure that people don’t experience it.

“This fantastic scheme is a reminder that people who live here are still at risk of flooding. There are some straightforward measure they can take themselves to help reduce damage and get back in their homes quicker, such as air brick flood covers, flood gates and so on.”

Ms Coffey praised residents for getting involved in the project and was delighted by the wall’s artwork by Latchford St James’ CE Primary School pupils.

Work on the defence is due to be completed in December 2017.

“I would try to encourage people to think about their own homes,” said Ms Coffey.

“Government will all it can to help but we can’t control the weather. I would encourage everyone who lives in the area to sign up for the flood alerts. The risk is still there.

“It’s important to remember it is a flood defence and not just a pretty wall.”

To get flood alerts visit fwd.environment-agency.gov.uk.