Storm Christoph: Flood protection measures in place in Ribble Valley

Residents and business owners in Whalley and Billington are on red alert since news that Storm Christoph could bring heavy rain to the flood-risk areas.
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King Street in Whalley and Longworth Road in Billington, which have been hit by severe flooding in recent years, notably Boxing Day 2015 and last February, have so far escaped any significant issues as the rain has not been as heavy as forecast.

However, flood defences have been installed outside homes in Whalley and Billington and sand bags are also in place.

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The move follows a yellow weather alert and amber warning issued for Blackburn, Darwen, Burnley, Ribble Valley, Leyland, Preston and Greater Manchester as Storm Christoph is set to batter Britain with heavy rain expected until Thursday.

Flood defences are in place. Picture by Kelvin StuttardFlood defences are in place. Picture by Kelvin Stuttard
Flood defences are in place. Picture by Kelvin Stuttard

Residents are being warned to expect some disruption to travel, along with the possibility that homes and businesses in some vulnerable areas might experience flooding.

Gillian Darbyshire, of the Whalley and Billington Flood Action Group, believes traders and residents are flood-ready.

She explained: "The flood barriers have been deployed by the Environment Agency in Billington. We have asked residents to put up flood gates and the Whalley and Billington Flood Action Group has distributed sandbags and hydrosacks to residents.

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"People are generally in good spirits, but it does cause anxiety at the thought of flooding again.

Heavy rain is expected until ThursdayHeavy rain is expected until Thursday
Heavy rain is expected until Thursday

"Volunteers have been out helping residents and we are as prepared as we can be for any flooding incident."

She added: "We have been working with the Environment Agency and Lancashire County Council, plus Ribble Valley Borough Council to work towards a full time flood defence and we now wish the government would support flood defences quickly so that people can live in peace in Whalley.

"We have flood wardens who will be out and about around the village to help later if the river peaks."