IMPROVEMENT work carried out in the aftermath of Storm Christoph floods will have a ‘lasting’ impact.

Warrington Borough Council says the impact of the storm one full year ago was ‘shocking’ and is still being felt by residents and businesses one year on.

However, ‘significant’ projects have been undertaken in response to the flooding from January 20 last year to prevent a repeat occurrence.

The council says it is also compiling a detailed report into the cause of the flooding, which will be released in due course.

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for transportation, highways and public realm, said: “The events of Storm Christoph were shocking, and it was one of the wettest three-day periods on record.

“River gauge measurements during Storm Christoph showed water levels approximately 450mm higher than we have ever previously recorded, and the impact this had on many of our local communities and businesses is still being felt.

“Since the storm, we have completed some significant projects with key partners like the Environment Agency and United Utilities to make lasting improvements to reduce the risk of flooding.

Warrington Guardian:

“With more and more extreme weather events occurring as a result of the climate emergency, it is our priority to keep working with our partners and communities to help reduce flooding risk.

“We encourage residents to sign up to flood warnings, which you can do at gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings or by calling 0345 988 1188, with more flooding advice available at the regional website thefloodhub.co.uk

“We will also be arranging for public community sessions in the coming months, where residents will be able to share their views and suggestions.”

Providing a Storm Christoph flood risk management update, a council spokesman confirmed that a section 19 report is currently being compiled.

They said: “Section 19 reports take a long time to compile – they are very detailed and look at conditions leading to flooding, and particularly focus on the statutory responsibilities and duties of flood risk management authorities, like the council and Environment Agency, during the flooding event.

“Section 19 reports also identify flooding mechanisms and causes.

“The section 19 about Storm Christoph is one report which covers 32 different locations across the borough, and once concluded, it will be made public.”