PARTS of Latchford and the town centre are at risk of tidal flooding if Warrington were to be hit by extreme weather conditions.

The likelihood of the River Mersey bursting its banks and immersing the centre of Warrington in sea water has a one in 200 years' chance of happening, according to experts.

The area, which lies very low, would be immersed in the event of an astronomical tidal level, an extreme surge and gale-force winds.

Peter Wroe, of Hillberry Crescent in Latchford, who spotted the flooding risk on the Environment Agency website, said: "It is quite alarming to see that most of Latchford is in danger of flooding from sea water. From the map on the internet it would seem that Knutsford Road is a low area and where the river would flood."

The Environment Agency has put in place measures to prevent a major flood by creating tidal banks and walls.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said the public should not panic because the risk of a tidal flood ever taking place is very slim.

But he added: "We have done our utmost to protect Warrington but could only alleviate not totally eliminate the threat."

To visit the environment agency's website go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk.