Padiham Flood Risk: Residents can breathe a sigh of relief as the town’s long-awaited flood protection scheme has taken a significant step forward, with additional funds and planning permission now secured to tackle the ongoing Padiham Flood Risk and protect homes and businesses from future flooding.
The Environment Agency and Burnley Borough Council have joined forces to ensure that the town’s residents and businesses are safeguarded from future flooding, with construction set to resume in 2025.
A Lifeline for Padiham
In the wake of the devastating floods in 2015, Padiham’s need for flood defences became a top priority. With the additional funding now secured, the flood risk management scheme will see new defences built along the River Calder and Green Brook, offering greater protection to the community.
Fiona Duke, Flood Risk Manager for Lancashire, commented:
“Reducing flood risk for the people of Padiham has been one of our main priorities. After facing delays, we’re thrilled to resume the project to better protect the town.”
Project Plans and Improvements
The flood protection plan involves major developments, including:
- Raised flood defences: New and raised linear defences along the River Calder and Green Brook.
- Structural reinforcements: Strengthening of the parapet on Padiham Bridge.
- New footbridge: Replacing the existing footbridge to improve access and resilience.
Construction is expected to resume in the summer of 2025, ensuring that the scheme remains on track to protect Padiham’s homes and businesses.
Flood Defence Measures |
Expected Benefits |
|---|---|
| Raised linear defences along rivers | Reduced flood risk for residential and business areas |
| Strengthening of Padiham Bridge | Improved structural integrity for key access routes |
| New footbridge installation | Enhanced community connectivity and safety |
Protecting the Future
The project isn’t just about building defences—it’s about safeguarding Padiham’s future.
Burnley Borough Council Leader, Councillor Afrasiab Anwar, emphasised the importance of the scheme:
“We must do everything within our power to protect Padiham from events like the 2015 floods. This scheme is critical in ensuring history does not repeat itself.”
The Challenges Ahead
Despite its positive trajectory, the project faces challenges. The original cost of £18 million has now more than doubled to £37 million due to increasing material costs and a larger scope of work.
These challenges reflect national trends affecting the building industry, but with determined efforts, the scheme will push forward to completion.
What Residents Should Expect
While the project brings much-needed improvements, residents should prepare for:
- Temporary disruption: Construction works, although vital, will inevitably bring some temporary disruption to daily life.
- Increased awareness: Local communities will receive further information from the Environment Agency about how they can stay safe during the construction phase and beyond.
To Sum Up
Padiham’s flood protection scheme is an essential step in ensuring that the town is ready to face future weather challenges.
Through new defences, structural reinforcements, and collaboration between the Environment Agency and Burnley Borough Council, the project is set to offer much-needed relief to Padiham’s residents, ensuring they are better protected for years to come.
Sources: THX News & Environment Agency.
