Padiham traders keeping an anxious eye on weather as flood alert issued

Padiham town centre, which has been hit by severe flooding in recent years, notably Boxing Day 2015 and last February, has so far escaped any significant issues as the rain has not been as heavy as forecast.

The Burnley Express spoke to Anthony Woan, the landlord of the town centre's Flying Dutchman, which last year saw its cellar flooded to the rooftop.

Anthony said: "I've driven out of town this morning to pick up a secondary pump just in case, but it was fine when I set off. The pub has been badly affected in recent years, but hopefully this time might not be as bad. I will be sitting in the cellar just in case."

Annette Shuttleworth, from Jack Jones Barbers, said: "So far so good. All defences are up and people are on hand to help. We have received high alert, so now it’s a case of waiting."

Another town centre business owner, and member of the town's flood group, said she was trying to co-ordinate getting sandbags to those businesses that need it.

She said: "So far, the rain hasn't been as heavy as forecast, touch wood. A number of businesses received grants from the council following the 2015 floods to help protect our shops but the water can still cause plenty of damage if it gets through.

"I keep checking the river level for the Calder on the government website and going out to check, but it doesn't seem too bad at the moment."