A WATER company wants to work with the council to develop schemes to reduce flooding on Walney.

United Utilities said it was ‘continuing to investigate’ the performance of the sewer network on the island after concerns were raised by local councillors and residents regarding flooding on Black Butts Lane.

A section of the road at its northern end is prone to flooding and in August 2023 the highway was closed to traffic after a heavy downpour. A similar flooding event took place on September 2.

Councillor Frank Cassidy (Walney Island, Labour) said: “Residents of Black Butts Lane are right to call attention to the flooding problem on that part of Walney Island. The northern section of the lane is vulnerable to flooding during heavy downpours.

“It is the responsibility of United Utilities to address the problem of sewers becoming unable to cope with exceptional downpours.

“They’ve said they’re going to carry out investigations and that can’t come soon enough.”

Local resident Colin Sharpe previously said the street has had ‘consistent’ issues with flooding over the years.

READ MORE: United Utilities investigating after 'raw sewage' ends up on street

Mr Sharpe added: “Whenever there is a period of inclement weather that place is flooded. With prolonged severe weather events occurring more frequently on the back of general climate change, this becomes more of an issue.”

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We are continuing to investigate the performance of the sewer network on Walney Island. Over the coming years we want to work with the local authority to develop schemes that will help to reduce flooding by separating rainwater from the sewer system.”