WARRINGTON Borough Council says it is ‘extremely disappointed’ after the town was refused funding to support its recovery from flooding.

The council coordinated the bid for a grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the Flood Recovery Framework.

Warrington was badly hit by floods during Storm Christoph in January, with areas including Longford, Dallam and Sankey Bridges among those worst affected.

River levels reach 450mm higher than previously recorded in the town amid heavy rainfall.

But council leader Cllr Russ Bowden says he is ‘dismayed’ after WBC’s application was turned down.

He said: “I am very saddened to learn that our bid for additional flooding support monies has been turned down.

“Given the record river levels we experienced during Storm Christoph and the consequential widespread flooding, I am extremely disappointed to learn that we aren’t going to receive any funding through the framework – which is designed to help meet the immediate recovery needs of communities affected by severe flooding.

“The flooding we witnessed in Warrington didn’t just affect our town, but wider areas across a much larger footprint, including St Helens and areas of Cheshire West.

“Given across this patch the unprecedented levels of flooding, I am dismayed that this was not deemed serious enough to unlock vital additional support.

“Council officers, our partner agencies, MPs and our communities responded to the major incident magnificently when it happened and are still providing support to those who were hardest hit.

“This flooding was by far the most severe flooding I have witnessed in Warrington, with exceptional damage and disruption caused by Storm Christoph.

“It is such a shame that our communities who are still feeling the effects of the flooding won’t be able to access this further support funding.”

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has issued a statement.

A spokesperson said: “While the impact of any flooding is undoubtedly devastating to this community, the reported impacts from Storm Christoph have not so far reached the level to activate the Flooding Recovery Framework, discussions with Warrington Borough Council are ongoing.”