Call for flood wardens to help in emergencies

When heavy rain hits, Wentcliffe and Earby Becks in east Lancashire can be quickly hit by flooding

Residents in part of Lancashire have been asked to help protect their local community by becoming flood wardens.

When heavy rain hits, water levels in Wentcliffe and Earby Becks in the east of the county can quickly rise, threatening homes, businesses and lives, Pendle Borough Council said.

In recent years, the number of active flood wardens has declined, and the authority has appealed for more volunteers to support vulnerable residents by putting up barriers.

Council leader David Whipp said: "Flood barriers need to be in place within 30 minutes to be effective so we're particularly looking for people who live nearby and can act fast when flooding threatens."

'Volunteers are critical'

"In the 10 years since the Boxing Day floods, a lot of work has been done to alleviate flooding," said Whipp.

"More than £5.5m has been invested in Earby, including a new flood wall on New Cut and work on Victoria Clough.

"We're currently working on a potential multi-million pound scheme to reduce the risk of flooding on Water Street, but we still need to be prepared to respond to flooding at any time.

"Community volunteers are critical to a successful fight against flooding."