THE mayor of Winsford has called on more investment in the town’s sewers after emergency repairs led to traffic chaos last week.

Cllr Joanne Moorcroft said it was a problem throughout Cheshire and criticised both the Government and United Utilities for failing to replace old infrastructure.

The Winsford Gravel ward councillor did however praise the water supply company for their efforts in making the repairs quicker than expected.

Posting on Facebook, Cllr Moorcroft said: “The sewer repairs have been completed and the High Street / Wharton Road roundabout is accessible for drivers again.

“There’s no longer any need to queue down the Old High Street.

“Last week I let people know that the roadworks could last for a few more weeks so it’s a testament to how hard United Utilities crews worked that they were able to get the roundabout open.

“Thanks to the crews for their hard work, including over the weekend, and drivers for their patience during these emergency repairs."

Northwich Guardian: The emergency repair works led to chaos in Winsford town centreThe emergency repair works led to chaos in Winsford town centre

Cllr Moorcroft went on to say: “At this point, I must get 'political'.

“The truth is that the sewers in Cheshire require investment and maintenance, even without housing growth, otherwise this is going to keep happening.

“People will remember that Northwich has experienced issues due to ageing sewer infrastructure, and Winsford is facing the same situation.

“The responsibility for investment rests with the national government and privatised utility companies.

“From their perspective, it’s cheaper to send out a repair crew when major incidents like this occur, but in my view, we need investment in the sewer system to prevent this from happening again.

“The risks to safety and disruption aren’t worth it in Winsford, Northwich or across the country where we're seeing the same failures due to a lack of investment.

“I will be writing to United Utilities to make clear that Winsford must not see a repeat of the disruption caused by this incident and to ask that they invest their profits in updating our sewer system.”

The emergency sewer repairs had been expected to last until August 17 but were finished almost two weeks earlier than planned.

United Utilities have been approached for a comment.