Developers Egerton Estates, currently building in Brook Street, have been served with a second enforcement notice.

The Environment Agency issued the latest notice - an abatement order - under the Land Drainage Act 1991, stating that a temporary culvert must be removed by tomorrow (Thursday).

The agency is concerned that the culvert, which funnels the River Lily through the building site, may increase the risk of water backing up and flooding Sanctuary Moor.

"The temporary culvert was put in without permission and with regard to potential flooding we have asked for it to be removed," said an agency spokesman.

"The agency are not happy that the culvert can take the volume of water required. If is is not removed, we will take whatever action is necessary against the developers."

But Steve Jones, technical manager at Egerton Estates, said he was confident that the work would be completed for tomorrow's deadline.

"We will be replacing the culvert in line with the Environment Agency's requirements, " he said.

Plans for a permanent culvert have been submitted and approved by the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency order comes a month after Macclesfield Borough Council served an enforcement order.

Work was allowed to continue mid-March after Alderley-based Egerton Estates had satisfied council officials that they were implementing measures to prevent flooding on Sanctuary Moor.