08/03/2005 - The Environment
Agency has announced that it will now be providing
new flood warning service to certain properties
in Littleborough.
The Agency has identified 300 properties considered
to be at a moderate risk of flooding from
the River Roch. Although Littleborough benefits
from a recently-built flood defence scheme,
which has substantially reduced the risk of
flooding, the new service will warn residents
in the unlikely event of the defences being
overtopped.
Areas covered by the new service will include
properties around Moorland Street, Todmorden
Road, Ferrand Road, Church Street, Featherstall
Road, Yea Fold, Dyehouse Lane.
In the past, the Agency has not been able
to offer targeted flood warnings to these
properties. However, by developing new forecasting
methods and installing gauges that monitor
river levels, it can now predict the likelihood
of flooding to the area more accurately.
The flood warning service aims to provide
residents in Littleborough with the opportunity
to prepare for and minimise the effects of
any future flooding. The service to this area
will consist of a flood warning message that
will be broadcast on local radio and television
when flooding is expected.
Warnings will also will appear on the Agency’s
website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodwarning,
and can be heard on Floodline by calling 0845
988 1188. As well as flood warnings, Floodline
can give general advice and information on
flooding and how to prepare.
Jill Holden, Environment Agency Flood Warning
Officer, said: "Flooding is a serious
issue and of course, we all hope that it won’t
affect us. The new flood defences will reduce
the risk of flooding, but it’s very important
to be prepared should the worst happen. By
issuing specific, targeted flood warnings
in a variety of ways we can give people a
chance to take simple steps to protect themselves
and their property if flooding does seem likely."
Notes
Flood warning information and advice is available
24 hours a day from the Environment Agency’s
Floodline, 0845 988 1188, or on the Agency’s
website, www.environment-agency.gov.uk.
For figures and statistics on flooding in
the North West, and more information the Agency’s
role in flood defence and flood warning, visit
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/nwenvironment
and click on ‘Flooding’.
