HOWLEY residents can celebrate the completion of the second phase of construction work of the new flood risk management scheme during a special ceremony next week.

Work on the second phase of the £23 million flood alleviation scheme began in January 2014 to help prevent properties in Westy, Latchford, Howley and Lower Walton from being flooded.

The event on January 15, from 10am, will see the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Ted Finnegan unveil a plaque at Howley Quay followed by a guided walk along the new flood defences. Schoolchildren have also been invited to the event.

The Environment Agency says the work will reduce the flood risk to around 2,000 homes and businesses.

The series of constructed walls and embankments along the Mersey and its tributaries runs along the edge of Knutsford Road from Bridge Foot roundabout to just beyond Black Bear footpath.