Major upgrades have been completed on the A555 near Manchester Airport.

Cheshire East Council has upgraded the pumping station that helps manage water levels on the Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road.

It is hoped this will reduce the risk of flooding, keeping the road open during heavy rain.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "We know how worrying and disruptive it can be for drivers when this road floods.

"This upgrade means the pumping station is now much more reliable and better equipped to deal with severe weather.  

"It's a big step forward in keeping this important road open and safe during the increasingly heavy downpours we are getting." 

The A555 has flooded several times in recent years, causing serious disruption and even leaving vehicles stranded.

The upgrades to the pumping station doubles its current pumping capability, which was limiting the station's ability to cope during storms.

The work involved replacing the ageing control panel, which had clocked up more than 61,000 hours of use. 

Cheshire East Council is continuing to explore further ways to strengthen flood prevention measures and ensure the road remains a safe and reliable route for all road users.