ALMOST 800 homes and businesses in Warrington will be better protected from flooding as part of a multi-billion pound investment.

This comes as part of plans published by the Government and Environment Agency today, Thursday, to invest £5.2billion into upgrading flooding defences across the country over the next six years.

More than £860million will be spent in 2021/22, boosting the design and construction of more than 1,000 schemes across England as part of the Environment Agency’s annual capital programme.

Among the schemes that will receive investment in the first year of the six-year programme is the Penketh and Whittle Brooks Scheme.

According to the Environment Agency, this will protect up to 211 properties upon completion through a £480,000 investment.

Development of the scheme is progressing, with a construction start date in place for later this year.

Warrington was hit with severe flooding in January this year (Image: Dave Gillespie)

Warrington was hit with severe flooding in January this year (Image: Dave Gillespie)

The scheme targets flooding from Penketh and Whittle Brooks and will use several methods in key locations in an effort to reduce flood risk to homes and businesses

Also to benefit is Sankey Brook, with a number of potential flood risk measures being considered to protect up to 580 homes and businesses.

These include linear flood defences, flood storage attenuation areas, improved channel of the watercourse and its conveyance and natural flood management.

Environmental benefits and opportunities are also being considered throughout the development of the scheme to ensure that the Sankey Brook Flood Risk Management Scheme enhances the environment.

This will include creating or improving habitats in the area, improving recreational and amenity areas, delivering tree planting and other similar opportunities which will develop and enhance the character of the area.

Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Environment Agency, said: “We have seen some devastating flooding around the world so far this summer.

Warrington was hit with severe flooding in January this year (Image: Dave Gillespie)

Warrington was hit with severe flooding in January this year (Image: Dave Gillespie)

“No one can prevent all flooding, and climate change means the risk is increasing, but we can reduce the risks.

“Having completed the Government’s six-year capital programme on time and on budget, better protecting more than 300,000 homes from flooding and coastal erosion, this year we began the Government’s new £5.2billion flood programme.

“These schemes should provide reassurance to communities and businesses, but no one should have a false sense of security.

“I strongly urge people to sign up for flood warnings and regularly check flood risk on gov.uk.”

Cllr Hitesh Patel, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for environment, housing and public protection, said: “Investment in flooding protection is now more important than ever due to the climate emergency, which is leading to an increase in storms and flooding to roads and properties.

“We have very much seen the impact of this in Warrington recently, so it is vital we continue do everything we can to protect our communities.

“We are committed to reducing the risk of flooding in our borough, with the recently completed Dallam Pumping Station – delivered in partnership with the Environment Agency and United Utilities – a great example of how we can work together to make a real difference to local people.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington was hit with severe flooding in January this year (Image: Dave Gillespie)Warrington was hit with severe flooding in January this year (Image: Dave Gillespie)

“It is great news that through this funding, we will be able to protect a further 800 properties across Penketh, Whittle Brooks and Sandy Brook.

“We will be working closely with the Environment Agency and other partners to ensure these important projects are delivered successfully.”

Ollie Hope, area flood and coastal risk manager for Cheshire and Merseyside, added: “Alongside local authorities and partners, we have made great progress in the last six years to reduce flood risk across Cheshire and Merseyside.

“This includes completion of major schemes such as Warrington and Northwich, all of which are helping to bring peace of mind to communities.

“However, with the climate emergency bringing more extreme weather, we must now redouble our efforts to make our communities more resilient in future.

“We know there is more to do, which is why we are investing more than £42million in over 50 new flood and coastal erosion schemes across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire over the next six years, to protect thousands more people, homes and businesses.”