GLOBAL warming could have a major impact on life in Warrington over the next 50 years, according to a new report.

Forecasters predict that average temperatures in the area will increase by between 0.8 and two degrees centigrade by the year 2050. Winter rainfall could increase by up to 14 per cent and in the summer rain could reduce by up to 10 per cent.

The report, "Climate Change Impacts in the North West of England", points to an increase in flooding of major rivers like the Mersey over the past few decades.

And it states that in urbanised areas like Warrington, the greater rainfall in the winter "may also increase the risks from contaminated land and toxic wastes, as old mine workings and industrial areas flood."

Warrington based North West Water could see increased problems as changing patterns in rainfall lead to periods of long drought. And in the chemical industry, the need for additional cooling to cope with the warmer weather, greater flood risk and reduced water quality could result in major adjustment.

Hotter, dryer summers should lead to lifestyle changes with more outdoor activities and increased business for leisure businesses - but this has to be offset against "greater levels of air pollution, heat stress, increased incidence of food poisoning and a potential increase in communicable diseases".

The report was commissioned by the North West Climate Group. Communications Director Steve Connor said: "The changing climate will have long-lasting and far-reaching implications for everyone in the north west of England and this study has already helped to focus the attention of the decision makers on the need to plan for the climatic changes which lie ahead."

Head of Environmental Health at Warrington Borough Council Andrew Gilbert said: "We are in the process of putting a report together based on this document and one produced by the Department of the Environment.

"The key issues from the council's point of view are air quality, flooding and planning issues." He said the council's document would probably be ready by March.

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