Burnley MP monitoring flood situation as River Calder levels rise

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham has assured residents in Padiham he is monitoring the situation after the borough was battered by Storm Ciara overnight.

By John Deehan

Published 9th Feb 2020, 12:14 BST

Updated 9th Feb 2020, 12:54 BST

Mr Higginbotham said he had been on the phone to the Environment Agency and the council this morning, but was hopeful river levels would start to slowly reduce now.

Torrential rain caused the River Calder to burst its banks on Boxing Day 2015, flooding shops, businesses and homes in and around Padiham town centre.

Mr Higginbotham said: “As many Padiham residents will know, the River Calder is currently quite high with some roads suffering from minor flooding.

“I have spoken to the Environment Agency and Council this morning and whilst plans are in place should the river break its banks, the current forecast is for the rain to ease off allowing the water line to slowly reduce.

“I'm continuing to monitor the situation. You can also view latest advice from the Environment Agency at www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or by calling 0345 988 1188.”