HALTON MP Derek Twigg says a 'workable solution' has been found to falling water levels at Sankey Canal and Spike Island.

The Canal has seen drastically reduced levels following the closure of Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, which used to pump in water. The reduction has resulted in fish having to be rescued from the canal and Spike Island.

Mr Twigg, who recently criticized Halton Council in Parliament over its handling of the situation, hosted a meeting earlier today, Friday, attended by Conservative Warrington South MP Andy Carter MP, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Warrington Borough Council, Halton Borough Council, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, Groundwork Trust and Peel L&P.

During the meeting, which Mr Twigg called ‘positive and productive’, he said Warrington Borough Council had put forward an engineering solution to the water supply issue that would put water into their section and the Widnes section.

He said Peel L&P announced for the first time at the meeting that they could agree in principle to assisting, as the engineering solution lies on what is now their land.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram advised that the engineering solution could assist against coastal flooding in other parts of the region and therefore bring a benefit to the wider region.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Twigg said: “There are some finer details to work out and the canal has to have repair works carried out to it but I am delighted that a workable solution to the water supply issue has been found.

“There is much scope for community volunteer involvement going forward and I will put groups such as the Spike Island and Widnes Canal Restoration Group in touch with the Groundwork Trust, who advised me at the meeting that they are willing and able to assist local groups. “

Mr Twigg said all groups who attended have agreed to continue working together to drive the solution forward under the direction of Warrington Council Chief Executive Steven Broomhead and Halton Council Chief Executive Stephen Young.