Council teams’ big push to prepare Northwich for the winter months

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Highways and StreetCare teams will come together in Northwich next week for a big push to prepare for the winter months ahead.

The Council’s grid (gully) cleansing programme is scheduled to cover the town from 25 October and teams from the Council’s StreetCare team will join their colleagues in Highways to sweep debris that could potentially block drains and cause flooding.

The Council has also prepared for the risk of flooding with sandbags in its depots, ready for deployment quickly in the event of an official Environment Agency flood warning.  Deliveries would then be made to strategic locations for residents at risk to access sandbags.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “Our teams will ensure we are doing all we can to clean all the grids in Northwich. Sweeper vehicles will follow behind to clear any debris from the streets.

“The extreme weather we have experienced in recent times is unprecedented. The effect flooding has had on the residents and businesses of Northwich has been devastating for many, but we will start a big push early next week to prepare the town as much as we can for the winter months ahead.

“Some lane closures will be in place between Monday and Wednesday next week. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but it is very important that this work takes place, especially as all of us seem to be affected more and more by the effects of Climate Change .”

Teams will begin work on Monday 25 October working along the Castle Street and Town Bridge.  On Tuesday 26 October they will be working on Chester Way (between Rivers), Watling Street, London Road and Dane Street.  Followed by Apple Market Street and Weaver Way on Wednesday 27 October.

Other areas will be covered during overnight works in early November, some gullies have already been cleaned in the south of the town.

For more information on flooding in your area visit:

www.thefloodhub.co.uk

Further details about preparation for flooding will be shared by the Flood Risk Action Group (FRAG) in the Council’s Cabinet Report for November.