THE RIVER Lily could be lowered to stop it flooding and damaging parts of Moorside.

Engineers discussed the idea last week after plans to solve the 20-year-old problem were resurrected.

"We want to improve the flow of the river," said Clr Tony Ranfield.

"But first the engineers have got to produce a method statement and speak to English Nature."

Last month borough officials said Knutsford had missed its chance to stop the flooding because of disagreements between experts, residents and councillors.

Stalled

Macclesfield said thousands of pounds were no longer available to fix the problem because people could not agree on a plan.

However, Clr Ranfield recently put pressure on the borough council and arranged a meeting with its engineers in Knutsford.

The group decided the riverbed could be lowered by a few inches and three drains that cause blockages could be removed.

"The borough council are going to come back in a few weeks and say what they're going to do and how they're going to do it," said Clr Ranfield.

Engineers believe English Nature will approve the plans if workmen install a temporary barrier of straw to stop silt flowing into the nearby reed beds.

Macclesfield now has to finalise the plans and work out how much the improvements will cost. Clr Ranfield said experts, residents and councillors must support the proposals if they wanted to stop it flooding every year.

"We, as a town council, are committed to sharing the cost," he said.

"The whole thing is a good idea, but we need that method statement now so people can discuss it."

During bad weather the River Lily regularly overflows, which damages parts of the unmade road and properties along Moorside.

Engineers, residents and councillors have talked for more than 20 years about fixing the problems, but no-one has agreed on the best course of action.

About a year ago Knutsford Town Council resurrected similar £12,000 plans to part fund improvements with Macclesfield.

But the work stalled because bosses need the town councillors and everyone living along the river to approve the proposals.