CAPACITY at two town centre wastewater pumping stations is being increased to provide additional protection for Northwich this winter.

Three additional pumps have been installed at Barons Quay pumping station and engineers are in the process of adding a further three pumps to the Dock Road pumping station.

Hydrology experts believe that adding this additional capacity will be enough to prevent the drains from overtopping again if the town experiences another Storm Christoph-like event, which struck in January 2021.

Cllr Sam Naylor and Cllr Andrew Cooper sit on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Flood Risk Action Group, formed after the publication of the Council’s report into the October 2019 floods was published earlier this year.

Cllr Naylor said: "CWAC officers have been meeting very regularly with partners from the Environment Agency and United Utilities since January, and I know that everyone has worked really hard to get this short-term solution in place.

"We have pushed for all parties to work together co-operatively, rather than spending time finger-pointing, and I think this outcome shows this approach is getting results."

Northwich Guardian: Cllr Andrew Cooper provided these images of the works to increase capacity at Northwich's pumping stations

Cllr Andrew Cooper provided these images of the works to increase capacity at Northwich's pumping stations

Cllr Cooper added: "Getting protection in place for this winter was the top priority, and I’m pleased this complex piece of engineering has been turned around so quickly.

"Next, we must turn our attention to the permanent solution.

"The Council and its partners have commissioned a hydraulic model to look at how we can alter our drainage network in the right way to prevent the build-up of water in the town centre.

"I look forward to seeing the outcome of this work so that we can put a solid case to the government for funding and give residents and businesses the permanent protection they need."

Northwich Guardian: Cllr Andrew Cooper provided these images of the works to increase capacity at Northwich's pumping stations

It is hoped the measures taken will stop a repeat of the devastating floods of January

Town councillor Lee Siddall said he was grateful to both for their time and effort, but that he had been contacted by several residents concerned not enough was being done.

He said: "I understand that working with different organisations to solve a problem can be challenging, especially if you can't compel them to take action so I welcome additional pumping capacity and the much-needed drainage cleaning that will undoubtedly help our town.

"However, I'm uncertain that this alone will be enough to restore the faith of local businesses that the flooding has affected.

"Investment from central government is much needed, and I would like to see CWAC publish a road map that includes time scales for what other actions should be taken and by which organisation as his would provide little bit more clarity and accountability going forward.

"We also need to remember the wider picture as many areas away from our town centre were affected, and they need help them too."