A Commons debate takes place this evening over falling water levels at the Sankey Canal, with a meeting of MPs, councils and environmental groups also pencilled in for later this month.

Halton MP Derek Twigg has secured the adjournment debate over the canal's drastically reduced water levels following the closure of Fiddler's Ferry Power Station, which fed the canal with water.

The resulting reductions have led to a fish needing to be rescued in a major operation, with a campaign group called Save Our Sankey Canal - which now has 3,000 members - being formed to help save it.  The group staged a demonstration at Spike Island in Widnes at the weekend which attracted hundreds of people.

In addition to this evening's debate, a meeting has also been arranged by Mr Twigg for the end of this month which will include Warrington South Conservative MP Andy Carter,  Halton and Warrington councils, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, environment charity Groundwork, and Peel Holdings - who are the new owners of the power station site.

Commenting on Facebook, Mr Twigg said: "In my (Commons) speech I would like to share some of the views of my constituents on what the canal and Spike Island means to them and how they are being affected by the devastating state of the canal."

He added: "I believe that the only way a solution will be found is for all the various organisations and agencies to properly work together."

Halton Council – which is responsible for operating the stretch of canal – said it is ‘commited’ to finding a solution and said it plans to meet with campaigners soon.

In a previous message to campaigners, council leader Cllr Mike Wharton, said: “I want to assure you again of the council’s long term commitment to both the Sankey Canal and Spike Island and to finding solutions to the current issues.

“Local interest groups have been invited to meet with senior council officers, so that the officers can listen to the groups' concerns and for information to be shared about previous efforts and current plans to address the issues."

The canal  had been supplied with water by the station since 1983  until it was decommissioned in March 2020. Temporary water pumps had been set up to keep water levels stable but that now too has ceased.

To date, approximately 13,000 fish (mostly roach, perch and bream) have been moved under license and agreement with the Environment Agency. And 14 large carp and five large adult bream have also been safely moved to local waters.