West End Road - Slow The Flow Project

What does Slow the Flow mean?

Slow the Flow is a natural way to help manage flooding. It works by holding rainwater in the landscape for a short time during heavy rainfall. By slowing down how quickly the water travels, it reduces the speed and size of the flow heading downstream.

Scheme focus

• To manage the flow of water
• Storage of about 3000m³ (equivalent to 1.2 Olympic-size swimming pools)
• Reduce the risk to downstream receptors
• Intercept water overtopping from the river
• Intercept water flowing form higher and to the river 
• Intercept water from drainage culverts from upper land reaches

By slowing the water down, these techniques give people more time to prepare and help lessen the impact of flooding on homes, roads and the environment.

Funding

Scheme is funded by Environment Agency through:

• Flood Defence Grant in Aid
• Frequently Flooded Communities Grant

Who is carrying out the work?

Following a tendering exercise we have appointed George Cox and Sons ltd, a North West based civil engineering firm, to carry out the construction part of the project. 

Work programme

Please note: Works are subject to weather conditions, ecological constraints and licensing conditions

• January 2026 - Site Set Up / Mobilisation
• February 2026 - Development of Sankey Valley section of the project
• March 2026 - Development of the Contour Canal section of the project
• Completion - Spring/Summer 2026

Contact details for the project

For more information or if you have any queries you can: -

• use our online General enquiry form
• email us at highwaystructures@sthelens.gov.uk
• or call our contact centre on 01744 676789