PLANS are in the pipeline to save Winsford Flashes, which many people fear will disappear if a silt problem is not solved.

The water level at the flashes has been decreasing for a number of years and Winsford Flash Sailing Club is to submit proposals that could stop the town losing one of its biggest assets.

Bill Gover, sailing club committee member, said: "I think because it has now reached the stage where people can actually see land where there was once water it has become very real.

"In the past perhaps they thought we were just making a fuss but everyone seems to now realise how serious the situation is and we are working together to solve it."

Vale Royal Borough Council commissioned ENTEC to carry out a report on the flashes last year and the sailing club is now asking for its recommendations to be carried out.

Mr Gover said: "We would like to see the bund extended to separate the flash from the river and hopefully that will solve the problem.

"We are working with the borough council and I feel more confident now that we can save the flashes than I have done in a long time.

"A planning application will be submitted soon and all being well the flashes will be saved."

Winsford Flash Sailing Club holds a number of national events each year but they could be in jeopardy if the water level drops any further.

Mr Gover said: "Saving the flashes will benefit the whole town in many ways.

"We hold national events every year meaning bed and breakfasts are full up and people spend money here.

"It is also prestige for the town and we don't want to get a reputation for having a low water level."

l Turn to Page 40 for an in depth look at Winsford Flash Sailing Club.