Flood investigations

Reports

S19 - Blacon, Abbots Mead and Parkgate Road main report details (PDF, 1.47MB)
S19 - Storm Christoph report including Blacon, Abbots Mead and Parkgate Road (PDF, 4.19MB)

Recommended actions

The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

We, as LLFA, and The Environment Agency (EA) to remind landowners of trash screen and drainage channel maintenance obligations
We, as LLFA, and the EA to investigate whether improvements could be made to the trash screen arrangement to reduce the risk of blockage and subsequent out of bank flow.
Clean and de-silt the Finchett’s Gutter / Highfield drain culvert under Parkgate Road, the EA completed a survey of Highfield Drain in November 2019 which was in a good condition at the time. EA to confirm maintenance programme for Finchett’s Gutter to ensure it remains clear of debris and vegetation.
We, as LLFA, to assess whether there are opportunities to implement attenuation on, or alongside, Highfield Drain to hold back out of bank flow. Where appropriate work with other RMAs.
We, as LLFA, to investigate localised kerb / verge lowering to allow water to flow back into Highfield drain around the culvert under Parkgate Road, and at multiple locations further down to allow floodwaters to exit from Parkgate Road to Finchett’s Gutter. This work is now underway, confirmed by the Environment Agency.
EA to check and maintain the capacity of Highfield drain downstream of the Parkgate Road culvert to the confluence with Finchett’s Gutter.
We, as the highways authority, to review whether there are sufficient gullies on Browning Close, Chaucer Close and Parkgate Road to take runoff from the highway.
Support affected residents explore property protection measures.
Implement more stringent traffic management measures, particularly on Parkgate Road to mitigate the risk of vehicles pushing water into property.
We are moving towards a risk-based approach to gully maintenance; increasing the frequency of cleansing to those gullies identified in areas at risk of flooding.
We, as LLFA, to consider whether a flood alert system is feasible given that the issues are associated with surface water and land drainage.
Determine suitability for a temporary defence deployment plan.
Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood alert service (currently only available for the properties affected by flooding from Parkgate Road) and LLFA and EA to consider the feasibility of implementing a flood warning service. The EA have just issued a new flood warning zone that covers this specific area and they will encourage residents to sign up via a letter drop to those in the affected area.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following actions:

The EA have previously held discussions with the landowner regarding access but were unable to reach agreement. Following this, the landowner was informed of their responsibility to maintain the trash screen.
A meeting has taken place on-site with affected residents with Cheshire West and Chester Council, as LLFA, and the EA.
The FloodHub website that provide key information, advice and guidance has been promoted to affected residents.
A scheme to encourage water that has overtopped Highfield Drain to re-enter Finchetts Gutter is being developed.
Discussions continue with the owner of the inlet structure to Highfield Drain in terms of ongoing maintenance
The culverted section under A540 Park Gate Road to be de-silted.
The highway drainage system has been cleansed on the A540 Parkgate Road with no significant defects found.

Reports

Recommended actions

The LLFA role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

LLFA to support affected residents further explore opportunities for individual property protection measures.
LLFA to encourage the residents’ group to put in place a localised community resilience plan.
LLFA and the EA to liaise with the local community about safety concerns that may exist regarding access to culverted watercourses. The EA have identified the possibility to provide some safety around water events with local schools.
Given the rural nature of the catchment to the west of the A41 between the residential area and the Capenhurst site, there may be opportunities to implement some form of attenuation. Similarly, there may be opportunities for attenuation between Archers Brook School and the properties on Kendal Drive. It is recommended that the LLFA, alongside the EA, assess whether there are viable options to provide attenuation in these areas to delay water entering and progressing through the system.
The combination of flood water sources, reportedly backing up or because of insufficient capacity of the highways drainage system in combination with out of bank flow from Rivacre Brook, indicates that improvements to the capacity of the highway drainage system could be beneficial. However, before doing so it is necessary to understand the influence of water levels in Rivacre Brook on the highway drainage and whether flooding from insufficient drainage capacity alone would occur. Similarly, given that UU surface water systems discharge directly to the brook in this area too, these drains should also be assessed. It is recommended, therefore, that the Council continue to work in partnership with relevant RMAs to undertake an investigation to determine whether there are sufficient benefits associated with increasing the capacity of the drainage systems and if so, assess viable options.
We, as Planning Authority, to continue to give high degrees of scrutiny to the impact of future development on the rates of surface water runoff and the subsequent impact to flood risk, making recommendations for appropriate levels of on-site attenuation and controlled discharge rates. This will apply to the proposed Agawate development.
LLFA and the EA to continue to liaise with URENCO to understand the discharge regime from the site in more detail and investigate whether ad hoc discharges could be made outside of rainfall events. Consideration of potential environmental impact may be required.
A more proactive traffic management strategy should be adopted for the affected area. The LLFA should take the lead in developing this strategy in collaboration with residents and the emergency services to ensure vehicles do not push water towards, and into, property.
The EA is developing a strategy to communicate the responsibilities of riparian landowners whose land borders a watercourse. This needs to communicate the need to avoid placing garden waste or other waste into watercourses as it can lead to blockages at structures and or reduce capacity.
LLFA to liaise with the EA to request their inspection of the Rivacre Brook culvert beneath Chase Way to assess whether there is the opportunity to increase the opening and if so, whether this is likely to increase the capacity of the culvert.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following actions:

A meeting has been undertaken on-site with affected residents with the Council, as LLFA.
Some residents have taken steps towards protecting their own properties through installation of property level protection such as non-return valves on toilets, flood gates on doors and sealing air bricks.
Residents has established a community led group to coordinate communications and actions associated with Storm Christoph and flood prevention and mitigation.
The EA has attended site alongside members of the local community.
The EA has continued to maintain the debris screens at Chase Way, including the removal of debris from the screen, they have surveyed Rivacre Brook and continue to remove any reported blockages from the channel.
We have undertaken an investigation and maintenance activities of the highway drainage system to ensure all of the highways gullies are in good condition and operating at full capacity.
During CCTV investigations it was discovered that an outfall into Rivacre Brook had been blocked by upstream of the culvert on Chase Way. This slab has been removed and a headwall will be installed to formalise this outfall
The FloodHub website that provides key information, advice and guidance has been promoted at a public engagement event and during site visits with affected residents.
We, as the LLFA, is moving towards a risk-based approach to gully maintenance; increasing the frequency of cleansing to those gullies identified in areas at risk of flooding.
Our Planning team has confirmed that the construction work undertaken at Archers Brook School was completed in accordance with the relevant planning permission and does provide the required attenuation on site. The EA undertook enforcement activity to support this.

Reports

Recommended actions

The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

Acton Bridge

A Community Emergency Plan should be developed between the Council and the Acton Bridge Parish Council to set out clearly the roles and responsibilities of the different organisations, before during and after a flood event, and the communication lines between different organisations. This plan should extend to all RMA's and the emergency services. This communication plan would benefit from setting out clear strategies for managing flood events in order for all parties to be working collaboratively towards agreed aims and objectives.
We, as LLFA, and the Environment Agency (EA) to consider whether there are economically viable options to reduce flood risk to property at Acton Bridge. Options considered could include, but not be limited to, individual property protection measures, attenuation on the fields to reduce rates of run off, improvements to the highways drainage system, raised defences (permanent and temporary) and works to increase conveyance of the River Weaver; specifically at Dutton Sluices in conjunction with the CRT.
Us to increase our gulley emptying frequency for the area covered by this Section 19 investigation in line with our risk-based approach to gulley emptying. In addition, us to consider ‘fast track’ approach to resolving drainage concerns reported at Action Bridge.
When resourcing allows, for us to take more of a proactive role in managing flood response on the ground at Action Bridge. Given the widespread nature of the impact of Storm Christoph and our available resources, we were not present to coordinate responses at the peak of the event.
Us to provide sandbags in advance of the event to enable residents more time to prepare.
At the first onset of highway flooding, or following the forecast of heavy rain, A49 road closures should be enforced to stop traffic traveling through the affected area. A more proactive approach to enforcing these closures is required to stop drivers ignoring road closure signage.
We, as LLFA, alongside EA, to encourage farmers and owners of livestock using the floodplain between Warrington Road (A49) and from Acton Lane downstream to the West as far as Dutton locks to sign up to Flood Warning service.
We, as LLFA, and the EA to determine the most appropriate method for allowing the return of floodwaters to the Weaver, should the Weaver flood again at Acton Bridge.
The EA and the Canal & River Trust (C&RT) continue to work together to improve flood warning services.
The EA, the Council and C&RT to continue discussions to understand whether there is scope to operate the level control structures on the Weaver to manage water levels for the purpose of limiting flood risk.
EA and the Council to ensure any temporary or permanent flood management activities undertaken upstream, specifically at Northwich, do not increase risk at Acton Bridge.
Residents to consider implementation of Property Level Protection measures. The EA and the Council, as LLFA, to provide guidance as appropriate. Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood warning service.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.

Crowton

Us to increase our gulley emptying frequency for the area covered by this Section 19 investigation in line with our risk-based approach to gulley emptying.
Individual property owners to investigate opportunities to install individual property level protection measures. The Council, as LLFA, to provide support and guidance.
We, as LLFA, to investigate whether there are opportunities to provide upstream storage.
Establish whether the United Utilities pumping station is vulnerable to flooding and whether any action is required to ensure foul water is unable to escape.
Establish ownership, and hence responsibility, of the culvert under Ainsworth Lane.
Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood alert service for the River Weaver and LLFA and EA to consider the feasibility of implementing a flood warning service.
Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood warning service.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.

Dutton

Us to increase our gulley emptying frequency for the Dutton area covered by this section 19 investigation in line with our risk-based approach to gulley emptying.
The EA, the Council and C&RT to hold discussions to understand whether there is scope to operate the level control structures on the Weaver to manage water levels for the purpose of limiting flood risk.
Residents to consider implementation of Property Level Protection measures. The EA and the Council, as LLFA, to provide guidance as appropriate. Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood warning service.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.

Little Leigh

Resident in Little Leigh to install new drainage pathways for surface water down the property driveway to the south, to alleviate some of the flood water that flowed over the property driveway eastwards into Brakeley Rough.
Us to engage with C&RT to investigate the condition of the culvert beneath the canal and, if applicable, undertake works to clear and repair.
LLFA to investigate whether there are opportunities for attenuation to the east of Brakeley Rough.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.

Pickerings Lock

We, as LLFA, ensure that future modelling work should include the Pickering’s Lock area.
LLFA and the EA to review the existing maintenance regime of the old course of the River Weaver and determine whether any changes to this regime, or management thereof, could reduce flood risk.
Residents, the EA and the Council, as LLFA, to discuss emergency response arrangements that enables safe evacuation during flood events. The Woodland Trust should be included in the discussion of these arrangements to ensure access routes are available.
Residents to consider implementation of Property Level Protection measures. The EA and the Council, as LLFA, to provide guidance as appropriate.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.
Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood warning service.

Weaverham (including Sandy Lane)

A Community Emergency Plan should be developed between the Council and the Weaverham Parish Council to set out clearly the roles and responsibilities of the different organisations, before during and after a flood event, and the communication lines between different organisations. This plan should extend to all RMA's and the emergency services. This communication plan would benefit from setting out clear strategies for managing flood events in order for all parties to be working collaboratively towards agreed aims and objectives.
We, as LLFA, and the EA to consider whether there are economically viable options to reduce flood risk to property at Weaverham. Options considered could include, but not be limited to, individual property protection measures, attenuation on the fields to reduce rates of run off, improvements to the highways drainage system, raised defences (permanent and temporary) and works to increase conveyance of the River Weaver; specifically at Dutton Sluices.
Us to increase our gulley emptying frequency for the area covered by this Section 19 investigation in line with our risk-based approach to gulley emptying. In addition, for us to consider ‘fast track’ approach to resolving drainage concerns reported at Weaverham.
When resourcing allows, for us to take more of a proactive role in managing flood response on the ground at Weaverham. Given the widespread nature of the impact of Storm Christoph and our available resources, we were not present to coordinate responses at the peak of the event.
EA and the Council, as LLFA, to consider whether the provision of temporary defences would deliver economically viable and technically feasible flood management.
The EA and C&RT continue to work together to improve flood warning services.
Residents to consider implementation of Property Level Protection measures. The EA and the Council, as LLFA, to provide guidance as appropriate. Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood warning service.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following actions:

Acton Bridge

Our teams attended the blocked drains opposite the Woodbine Cottage Caravan Park once more on the 24January 2021. During this visit the team confirmed the removal of a large tree root which had intruded the drain further along the A49. Following the removal of this root the drain no longer overflowed.
A meeting on-site has been undertaken with residents with the Council, as LLFA.
We have undertaken investigations and improvement works to the highway drains on Acton Lane, Sandy Lane and Warrington Road, this work is ongoing.
FRAG has been established by us to improve lines of communication and information dissemination of information between RMA's and residents.
Following the October 2019 flooding, the EA have held discussions with C&RT to look for a location for a river level gauge in Acton Bridge. Since the floods, C&RT now share level data from Dutton sluices with the EA, and the EA have used this to improve their flood warning capability to allow for specific warnings to be generated for Acton Bridge.
We, as the LLFA, hosted a public engagement event on the 2December 2021 in Acton Bridge to provide the opportunity for residents to raise issues and ask questions of RMA's, that was well received.

Crowton

A residents committee was established in March 2021 with dialogue with the Council continuing.
A meeting on-site with affected residents has been undertaken with the Council, as LLFA, and the EA.
Crowton is not within a Flood Warning area; therefore, no Flood Warning was issued and there were no EA Operational Staff present on site during the flood event.
EA Community Information Officers were able to attend site on January 24th to speak with residents impacted from the floods and to collate flood information.
Community FRAG meetings have been carried out to discuss open questions, meeting with key stakeholders and to discuss future action plans.

Little Leigh

Meeting on site with affected residents has been undertaken with the Council, as LLFA.
The resident has engaged a geological surveyor to assess the slope stability at the site of the landslip between the property and Brakeley Rough.
New property level drainage system installed. Landowners have installed a new pipe, which conveys water from the ditch that overflowed, to Brakeley Rough. This enables flood water to be diverted away from the area of the house to discharge into the gorge upstream, at a shallower angle.
Scottish Power have moved electricity supply poles away from the edge of the landslide.

Pickerings Lock

A meeting has been undertaken between the Council, as LLFA, the EA, C&RT and residents on the 14 July 2021.
A FRAG established by the Council to improve lines of communication and information dissemination of information between the RMA's and residents.

Weaverham (including Sandy Lane)

A meeting on-site has been undertaken with residents with the Council, as LLFA.
We have undertaken investigations and improvement works to the highway drains on Acton Lane, Sandy Lane and Warrington Road, this work is ongoing.
A FRAG has been established by us to improve lines of communication and information dissemination of information between RMA's and residents.
Following the October 2019 flooding, the EA have held discussions with C&RT to look for a location for a river level gauge in Acton Bridge. Since the floods, C&RT now share level data from Dutton sluices with the EA, and the EA have used this to improve their flood warning capability to allow for specific warnings to be generated for Acton Bridge.
We, as the LLFA, hosted a public engagement event on the 2 December 2021 in Acton Bridge to provide the opportunity for residents to raise issues and ask questions of RMA's, that was well received.

Reports

Recommended actions

The LLFA role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

LLFA to investigate opportunities for economic and technically viable upstream flood storage to hold back and delay water.
Our planning team to review the requirements set out within the granted planning permission for the London Road development and confirm whether these requirements were implemented.
LLFA to investigate the drainage network on Hartford Road and Eaton Lane and to check for structural damages or blockages.
LLFA to undertake CCTV inspection of the culverted watercourse to fully establish its route and condition and if required, undertake de-silting activities.
LLFA to establish land ownership and responsibility for maintenance and repair of the watercourse behind Davenham Meadows.
LLFA to undertake maintenance of the highway gullies and catch pit to remove debris and check for blockages.
LLFA to support local residents and continue to correspond with a number of affected residents.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following action:

A meeting on-site with affected residents has been undertaken with The Council, as LLFA.
We have inspected the route of the culvert and have now traced its route from Hartford Road through the residential properties into the open land behind Rookery Gardens. The system is in good condition until it reaches the open ground.
We have identified, served notice and have met the landowner with a view to them undertaking the work required to repair the drain in the open land. We will continue to monitor the situation for evidence of progress on-site.
We have inspected the planning applications for the developments upstream and these have been built in accordance with planning and include attenuation for surface water runoff.
The FloodHub website that provides key information, advice and guidance has been promoted to affected residents.

Reports

Recommended actions

The LLFA role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

Construction of a sump on London Road from which temporary pumps can be operated to relieve the Waitrose car park of surface water when outfalls are river locked (NPFG/the Council). This is in addition to the empty chamber which has been located within the Waitrose car park.
Following the work of our Flood Risk Action Group (FRAG), we are to produce a holistic plan as to where the outfalls discharge to the river network and whether each asset owner has installed a flow control mechanism.
Businesses should consider the implementation of Property Level Protection (PLP) measures to individual businesses in the short term (Businesses and the Council).
Continue the rollout of replacing poor condition highway and surface water gullies on London Road. This is partially complete, remaining works to be completed. (UU and the Council).
Undertake highway drain maintenance for School Way and Priory Lane.
Us to increase our gulley emptying frequency for the area covered by this Section 19 investigation in line with our risk-based approach to gulley emptying.
Continue to develop the Multi-Agency Flood Response Plans, the last update was June 21.
Undertake further CCTV surveys at the following locations: Northwich - Weaver Court and Theatre Court through to outfall. This is a private system which should be surveyed.
Develop a robust and coordinated incident response plan which should include the Witton Church of England School. Northwich Town Council to be consulted for the development of the plan.
Us to provide guidance and support for the Witton Church of England School in their assessment and suitability of property level protection measures and additional approaches for mitigating risk to their school, this will include the development of their own flood resilience plan.
Consideration of long-term solutions through the development of an integrated catchment model. This is to be a collaborative exercise between all RMAs and supported by the Canal & River Trust (C&RT). As part of this modelling exercise consider the following:
1. Ensure the integrated modelling exercise extends to cover the area of the Witton Church of England School.
2. Determine whether there is sufficient capacity within the collective drainage system and establish whether additional capacity is required. Sensitivity testing to be undertaken to review the impact of high water in the River’s Weaver and Dane on the drainage systems which discharge to them.
3. Determine whether the combined pumping regime within the catchment, across all RMAs, is sufficient and whether additional pumping capacity is required.
4. Undertake scenario testing to determine the influence of timings of the sluice gate opening at Dutton Sluices. Similarly, review the impact of two of the gates being unable to operate and determine whether there is the potential opportunity to obtain contributions towards their refurbishment.
The EA, the Council and C&RT to hold discussions to understand whether there is scope to operate the level control structures on the Weaver to manage water levels for the purpose of limiting flood risk.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following actions:

Since the previous Section 19 report following the October 2019 event, all RMA's and the C&RT have taken steps to mitigate, and better manage, flood events in Northwich.
The Council and the RMA's committed to undertaking actions identified within the interim report prior to the completion of the final report.
All RMA's have consequently worked together in a collaborative partnership and provided post-event community support to affected residents
A Flood Risk Action Group (FRAG) has been established by us with Northwich Town Centre and other affected areas across the borough. The FRAG is a regular and collaborative meeting at which the RMA's and C&RT have shared information and responded to questions raised by the public.
The Northwich Flood Resilience Group attended by representatives of the Council, LLFA, EA and United Utilities, the purpose of this group is to discuss ongoing issues and to develop strategic approaches to improve understanding of flood risk and its mitigation. This group is currently planning the development of an Integrated Catchment Model for
The Northwich Flood Resilience Group has discussed wider issues affecting the drainage networks and potential solutions to this, including implementing temporary pumping solutions, ensuring all outfalls to the Weaver and Dane have non-return valves and an early warning system to identify rising water levels in the highway drainage system at key locations.
The Multi-Agency Flood Emergency Plan for Northwich Town Centre is currently being redeveloped so that all partner agencies have clear lines of communication and, clarity of when different agencies begin to mobilise flood defences and staff.
Operational meetings have been taking place with the EA, the Council a the LLFA and the C&RT. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss current and future works programmes that effect each of the RMA's assets, bridge swings that require road closures for example, to ensure routine activity by one party does not adversely affect another organisation or, the collective ability to manage flood risk.

Reports

Recommended actions

The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

We, as the LLFA to work collaboratively with the Environment Agency (EA) to ensure riparian landowners maintain drainage channels and ensure assets, such as culvert inlets, are kept clear of vegetation and in good state of repair.
We, as the LLFA to work with the EA to explore whether there are any opportunities to use national floodplain management approaches on Gongar Brook to reduce peak flows.
The LLFA to develop an emergency access plan to manage safe access and egress to properties during flood event.
The LLFA to improve community resilience (dovetailing with existing Community Emergency Plan) by:
Reviewing how the LLFA disseminates information to promote an increased awareness of personal flood action plans, to increase wider community engagement with the RMAs.
Review sandbag delivery process regarding timings and quantity to ensure potentially affected residents likely to need them have appropriate supplies.
Property level protection and resilience measures: As a quick win, residents should consider implementing property level protection where necessary.
Ensure Gonger Brook and drainage ditches are well maintained including vegetation clearance and desilting where required.
Ensure all future new development and re-development in upstream areas do not increase runoff through the adoption of SUDs type approaches.
Undertake an assessment to identify whether there are viable options to adopt natural flood plain management approaches in upstream areas to hold back water and slow down rates of run off.
Assess whether an increase in capacity of the Gongar Brook culvert would reduce flood risk and if so, assess whether it is economically viable to undertake these works.
Consider actions to reduce the risk of foul water interacting with fluvial or surface water.
United Utilities (UU) complete the programme of works that was presented to the Ashton Hayes and Horton-Cum-Peel Parish Council.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various Risk Management Authorities (RMA's) have undertaken the following actions:

The EA have attended site to assess the cause and impact of the flooding from Gongar Brook.
We have cleansed and mapped the surface water system from the head wall on Shay Lane through to the outfall on Peel Hall Lane; large quantities of rubble and silt were removed from the system. Root ingress was removed from other sections of the system as was a blockage on Church Road.
We have programmed work to the surface water drainage system on Shay Lane. This will include the replacement of a gully, removal of silt build up from the surface water inlet structure and expose a buried chamber to enable the survey of a 300mm pipe not yet traced.
We have started a pilot scheme with the University of Chester to install a series of sensors in key chambers as Gongar Brook makes its way through the village. These sensors will hopefully be able to provide a warning that water levels are rising in the piped network.
UU have confirmed to the Ashton Hayes and Horton-cum-Peel Parish Council that they have identified the following programme of works to mitigate the risk of foul water flooding occurring from surcharge or failure of their combined drainage system:

Undertake a review of the condition of the pumping station. This has been completed and UU and have confirmed that the pumps contained within are in good working order.
Undertake an inspection of the downstream pipework to assess condition and signs of blockage.
Inspect the condition of the wastewater sump internal to the pumping station.
Remove vegetation from the open channel upstream of the pumping station, the section they are responsible for, to maintain capacity and unobstructed flow to the pumping station.

Reports

Recommended actions

The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

We, as LLFA, to undertake site visit of new development to the North of Mill Lane to assess whether there are opportunities to redirect out of bank flow back towards Milton Brook and away from property.
We, as LLFA, alongside the Environment Agency (EA) to assess whether there are economic and technically viable options to provide upstream storage, potentially utilising agricultural land or historic ponds.
We, as LLFA, confirm that the Mill Lane Bridge is clear of debris and in good condition and, that it is of sufficient capacity.
Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood alert service and LLFA and EA to consider the feasibility of implementing a flood warning service.
Individual property owners to investigate opportunities to install property level protection resilience measures for properties in Flood Zone 3. We, as LLFA, to provide support and guidance.
LLFA to promote the use of the Floodhub for information on flooding.
We, as LLFA, to investigate the condition and land ownership of the drainage network in the area, paying particular attention to the ditch to the north of Hawkins View and consider whether this could be used to divert flow away from affected property.
Individual property owners of Hawkins View and Plemstall View to investigate opportunities to install property level protection resilience. We, as LLFA, to provide support and guidance.
We, as LLFA, to assess whether there are economic and technically viable options at Plemstall View to provide low-cost Natural Floodplain Management approaches to delay water entering the ditch.
Property owners at Plemstall to investigate the route and condition of the culvert under the property. LLFA to provide support and guidance.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following actions:

A meeting on-site has been undertaken with affected residents with the Council, as the LLFA.
United Utilities have confirmed that the Mill Lane Barrow pumping station operated as designed throughout the major flood event.
The LLFA has promoted the use of the FloodHub website that provides key information, advice and guidance for affected residents.
The resident has cleared the roadside ditches along the property boundary.
The resident is undertaking landscaping to direct floodwater away from the property.

Reports

Recommended actions

The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

Upon successful identification of the 225mm drain, undertake a condition survey and necessary cleansing activity.
Complete investigation into flood risk and, if appropriate, progress development of solution.
Support affected residents explore property protection measures.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following actions within each of the Section 19 affected areas:

The Council clearance of drains and gullies on Warrington Road and Plemstall Lane.
Ditch to rear of property south of Warrington Road partially cleared by adjacent landowner.
Mickle Trafford Parish Council have prepared an interim report.
A meeting on-site with affected residents has been undertaken with the Council, as LLFA, and Parish Council.
We, as the LLFA, has contacted landowners of properties either side of the ditch to the rear of the affected properties and served notice, informing them of their riparian responsibilities for the maintenance of the ditch.
We, as the LLFA, has contacted landowners of the properties either side of the culvert just off Warrington Road to the north of the affected property and served notice, informing them of their riparian responsibilities for maintenance of the culvert.
We, as the LLFA, has contacted landowners either side of the culvert behind ‘The Cedars’ to the south of the railway embankment and served notice, informing them of their riparian responsibility for maintenance of the culvert.
We, as the LLFA, continue to investigate the route of the 225mm pipe running to the rear of the property on Warrington Road and subsequently inspect and repair or cleanse
We, as the LLFA, and the Parish Council have started to work collaboratively to find solutions for ongoing flood issues with the village.
We, as the LLFA, has made contact with the landowners of ‘The Willows’ and ‘Meadow Farm’ and served notice; informing them of their riparian responsibilities for the maintenance of their land drains.
We, as the LLFA, continue extensive investigations and cleansing of road drainage system and on affected roads.
The FloodHub website that provides key information, advice and guidance has been promoted at site visits with affected residents.

Reports

Recommended actions

The LLFA role is to coordinate the management of flood risk within their administrative area. It is suggested that the recommendations made from the Section 19 final reports are taken on board by the relevant Risk Management Authorities (RMA’s) and reviewed on a regular basis.

Support affected residents explore property protection measures.
LLFA to investigate and confirm course and condition of the Old Mill race. In addition, identify the flow routes over the Dam into Old Mill Place and through the Memorial Park.
Undertake a CCTV survey of the private drainage in Old Mill Place to confirm condition and route.
The EA and the Council, as LLFA, to consider additional measures to reduce risk of river flooding from Mill Brook upstream of Tattenhall, specifically opportunities for NFM type approaches.
EA to install a water level gauge to allow a Flood Warning from Mill Brook to be issued.
Develop a strategy between the Council and the EA to better understand how the groundwater is affected by the ceasing of abstraction at the borehole and whether continued abstraction could reduce the risk of flooding.
Undertake CCTV of the High Street surface water system to establish whether there are any blockages and undertake any clearance work.
LLFA to investigate how water gets back into Mill Brook from High Street by the corner of Breen Close.
LLFA to develop a contingency plan for sandbag deployment on High Street (from the Barbour building to high ground in Breen Close).
Welsh Water to investigate ownership of the private pumping station at Old Mill Place and investigate the reported high flows through this pumping station which may be contributing to flooding in the High Street area.
Residents to be encouraged to sign up to the EA flood alert service and LLFA and EA to consider the feasibility of implementing a flood warning service.

What has been done or is being planned?

The LLFA together with the various RMA's have undertaken the following actions:

The Parish Council has prepared a report setting out the sources of flooding and what was affected. The EA and the Council attended Parish Council meetings and provided an update on the flooding sources.
The EA, in partnership with the local landowner, ELM associates and Bolesworth Estate completed phase 2a of the NFM scheme along Mill Brook (in June or July 2021). This phase created 4,500m³ of additional upstream floodwater storage, via 3 clay bund Runoff Attenuation Features (RAFs) to slow the flow of Mill Brook. These interventions are designed to divert the peak flows and store them temporarily, before releasing them slowly, thereby flattening out the peak of the hydrograph and reducing flooding impacts.
A meeting on-site with affected residents has been undertaken with the Council, as LLFA, and the EA.
The EA Community Information Officers have attended site to speak to residents to inform their better understanding of flooding at Tattenhall.
The FloodHub that provides key information, advice and guidance has been promoted at a public engagement event and at site visits with affected residents.
Welsh Water have undertaken CCTV surveys of their system within Tattenhall to inform their review and management of their network.

Drainage and flooding