These areas of Chester could be underwater by 2030

The research was carried out by an independent organisation of leading scientists and journalists, collectively known as Climate Central, who investigate climate change and its impact on the public.

Using current projections, they have produced a map showing which areas of the country would be submerged by 2030.

Chester locations at risk from rising sea levels

Large swathes of Chester are at risk from rising sea levels. Picture: Climate Central

The Climate Central map reveals large areas of Chester are at risk of losing land to the rising sea levels within less than a decade.

A major problem seems to come from the River Dee leaving any areas surrounding its banks in the 'red zone' within the next eight years.

Sections of major roads including the North Wales Expressway, A483 and A494 could also face being submerged.

Attractions such as Chester Football Club and Chester Racecourse are in danger along with parts of Chester University and the Student Union, according to Climate Central data.

Datasets include "some error"

Climate Central does admit the calculations that have led to fears of a nightmare scenario include "some error".

It says: "These maps incorporate big datasets, which always include some error. These maps should be regarded as screening tools to identify places that may require deeper investigation of risk."

The maps have been based on "global-scale datasets for elevation, tides and coastal flood likelihoods" and "imperfect data is used".

Somewhat comfortingly, Climate Central adds: "Our approach makes it easy to map any scenario quickly and reflects threats from permanent future sea-level rise well.

"However, the accuracy of these maps drops when assessing risks from extreme flood events.

"Our maps are not based on physical storm and flood simulations and do not take into account factors such as erosion, future changes in the frequency or intensity of storms, inland flooding, or contributions from rainfall or rivers."

But it adds: "Improved elevation data indicate far greater global threats from sea level rise and coastal flooding than previously thought, and thus greater benefits from reducing their causes."