When will flood-hit Padiham Town Hall open?

The town hall suffered extensive damage, notably to its ballroom floor, which means the room is currently out of use for several groups.

Carpets, furniture and other items have been contaminated by river water – meaning a full environmental clean-up is required to make the ground and lower ground floors safe and hygienic.

A Burnley Council spokesman said: “We are working hard to bring Padiham Town Hall fully back into use.

“However, the damage is serious and extensive and will take some months to complete. We are working with the council’s insurers and other experts to get a clearer picture of what is required.

“It is intended to get the town hall back into normal use as soon as possible and a team of officers are giving priority to this work.

“The town hall is a Grade II listed building, as are its contents.

“While the council wants to make sure that those part of the building capable of use are available as soon as possible, time and care will be needed to ensure that the assembly hall is dried out gradually and conserved in such a way as to preserve as many of the listed features as possible, and specialist advice is being taken in this respect.”

Electrical power has now been restored to the building, and business Green Dreams has moved back into its first floor offices – the council has supplied temporary electrical heaters.

The council confirmed that the boiler has been affected and there is currently no central heating.

The council is looking at a number of measures to help prevent future flood damage to the building by reducing the risk of flooding and its potential impact.

PHOTOS: Padiham flooding

{http://www.burnleyexpress.net/news/local/photos-burnley-and-padiham-flooding-1-7643791|PHOTOS: Burnley and Padiham flooding}

VIDEO: Flooding at Padiham Tesco store

VIDEO: Water pours into centre of Padiham