Environment Agency to test £7m flood defences

A major training exercise to test the effectiveness of flood defences will be carried out in Cheshire this weekend, the Environment Agency (EA) has announced.

A total of 69m (226ft) in temporary defences will be erected between 17:00 GMT on Sunday and 03:00 on Monday, while Northwich's 12 floodgates will be closed.

The EA's Cheshire operations manager Omonyi Green said: "It's important our teams are ready for whatever the weather has in store for us."

Since its launch in June 2018, the £7m flood alleviation scheme - which reduces the risk to about 400 homes and businesses in Northwich - has been regularly tested and maintained.

'Flood warnings'

The exercise will start with the closing of floodgates at Waitrose and the Dane Bridge, as well as setting up temporary flood defences outside Wildwood and the cinema.

As part of this phase, the far end of London Road will close and an alternative route will be provided.

Temporary defences are made of aluminium and can be erected in about 45 minutes in the event of a flood alert or warning.

At Dane Bridge, two layers of barriers act as a channel to keep water within the River Dane, preventing it from spilling over towards London Road or Watling Street.

The floodgates can be closed in minutes and create a seal to protect the town from floodwater.

The scheme was deployed multiple times over the 2024-25 storm season, including during Storm Bert and at New Year.

Green added: "These emergency response plans should give reassurance to residents in Northwich.

"However, it is important to remember that we can never fully protect against flooding.

"Residents should always prepare in advance for this by going online and signing up for free flood warnings."

Councillor Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, transport and highways at Cheshire West and Chester Council, added: "Our teams are supporting the Environment Agency's important and large-scale exercise this weekend to test temporary and permanent flood barriers."