Warrington Borough Council - as Lead Local Flood Authority - has joined forces with the Environment Agency to develop a project aimed at tackling flooding in the area. Residents have expressed full support of the project, which will help protect them from future flooding.

Properties at Reddish Lane, Lymm have faced serious flooding issues for many years, with the most recent incidents taking place in July 2019 and January 2021 as a result of Storm Christoph. The flooding also placed other properties at risk on Rushes Meadow.

The Council’s Engineering and Flood Risk Team, has been working closely with residents to understand the scale of the flooding problem and assist in providing a way to reduce the risk of future flooding. Extensive and complex drainage and surface water studies were undertaken to inform the project proposals.

The £258,000 project involves installation of a large diameter piped drainage system to replace the existing open watercourse. The area to the rear of the properties will be closed by the construction of a partition wall to control the flow of water from the watercourse and to prevent other natural flow paths from flooding the area from the side.

The success of this project depended on funding being achieved. The project was developed in collaboration between the Council and the Environment Agency and funding for the project is being provided by Environment Agency. The Council has produced the design and will be delivering the project with a local Civil Engineering Contractor.

Works are now under way, with the aim for works to be substantially complete by Christmas. However, some works may continue in the New Year.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for highways, transportation and public realm, Cllr Mundry, said “We know how much distress the repeated flooding events in this area have caused to local residents for a number of years. This has been further impacted by climate change, which is leading to an increase in storms and flooding to roads and properties.

“That’s why we have made a commitment to do everything we can to minimise the risk of future flooding in the area. Funding for flood risk is extremely limited, so I’m delighted that, working in collaboration with Environment Agency, we’ve successfully secured £258,000 in partnership funding to deliver this important project. It’s great news for local residents.”

Brenda Fields, Environment Agency Flood Risk Advisor, said: “This important project at Reddish Lane will make a huge difference to residents who have faced flooding issues for many years and I am delighted that it is progressing

"It’s a great example of how we can work with partners to minimise the risk of flooding in our communities. Across Cheshire we are undertaking a range of activity to address both flood risk and climate change impacts through our long-term flood and coastal risk management strategy and record investment in new defences.

“However, even with these measures in place, the risk of flooding can’t be removed entirely. Sadly, as many residents in Cheshire know, flooding is dangerous and can happen very quickly with devastating effects.

“There are a number of things you can do to prepare for flooding and keep yourself and your family safe this winter. Find out if your home is at risk, sign up for flood warnings and be ready to take action. Visit www.gov.uk/flood or call Flood line on 0345 988 1188.”