A VICTORIAN covenant may stand in the way of Unitied Utilities building an underground sewer tank on Stocks Lane playing fields.

The proposal for flood alleviation works to be carried out at either Stocks Lane or Tim Parry recreation ground came after the water giant’s plans to build the scheme on a protected village green were outlawed.

It has now come to light that a covenant protects the fields on Stock Lane.

Christian Ewen, spokesman for United Utilities, said: “We are aware of the covenant on Stocks Lane.

“As part of our investigations we are currently assessing any possible impact this has on our plans.”

The water company is under pressure from Ofwat to find an acceptable solution to the serious flooding problems experienced by households across Great Sankey and Penketh.

An unprecedented number of concerned residents turned out to the Great Sankey Parish Council meeting last Wednesday to hear an update to be told a decision has not yet been made. They were promised a public meeting with councillors and United Utilities imminently.

United Utilities hopes to start work in July.