The Environment Agency (EA) has carried out tests on a new £7 million flood alleviation scheme in Northwich.

The scheme, which contains a selection of temporary and permanent flood barriers, aims to protect around 400 homes/businesses throughout the town.

The exercise is the first time the full set of defences, which can be deployed within three hours, have been tested since the launch of the development.

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Flood Manager at the EA, Christian Wilcox, said: "This was a major test of our operational equipment and allowed us to train up the teams who will work on deploying these defences.

"Part of the flooding that Northwich has previously experienced has come directly from the River Dane and we were pleased to see that our road closure at Dane Bridge, during the test of the defences, worked extremely well and would provide a good level of signage and a viable alternative route when we need to deploy the defences in earnest.

"Overall, it was great to see our practical strategies for flood protection put into action, via our joint working with the Cheshire West and Chester Council who organised the road closure."

(LM)