Padiham to be flooded with cash

The Burnley Express understands that £4m. will be spent on flood defences with a further £1m. earmarked for improvements to the town centre and highways.Padiham County Coun. Marcus Johnstone welcomed the news after campaigning for extra money to be invested in Padiham since the Boxing Day floods of 2015.

Bids for funding have been made to Lancashire’s Growth Deal and the Environment Agency.County Coun. Johnstone said: “I arranged for people from the Environment Agency to come to Padiham shortly after the floods and have been pressing hard for this money ever since.“It’s very exciting news for everyone.”Agricultural land behind the former Baxi site, earmarked for new housing, may see a flood embankment built.It will be designed to reduce flood risk to Padiham town centre if the River Calder again threatens to burst its banks.Other physical barriers including higher walls next to the river are also planned as part of the £6m. project.

Improvement work to Padiham town centre will start in the autumn when £1m.will be spent on new pavements, environmental improvements and traffic calming.Improvements will also be made at the traffic-clogged Shuttleworth Mead junction.County Coun. Johnstone said: “I am so glad that my efforts to get major investment into Padiham have paid off.“I’m really pleased to have been able to clinch this money for Padiham and know it will really make a difference.“I hope this reassures traders and residents.”