West Lancashire Borough Council is urging residents to be prepared for floods, and to check if they need to take steps to protect their homes.



The storms last winter, in particular Storm Eva on Boxing Day, had devastating effects. It caused the worst flooding ever recorded in West Lancashire and almost 300 properties were flooded internally. Many people had to leave their homes because of the damage, and some have not yet been able to return.

In June this year, Skelmersdale was badly affected by flash flooding and a number of Council homes were affected. The Council has started a programme of works on some of these properties to defend them against future flooding.

Information to help residents decide if they should take steps to protect their property is provided on the Council website. There is also information about what to do if a flood occurs. Visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/flooding

It is the responsibility of residents to protect the property they live in, whether they own or rent their home. The Council does not provide sandbags and the Council website provides advice on where to get help about flood prevention equipment and home insurance.

Councillor Kevin Wright, portfolio holder, said: “We understand how homes and communities can be devastated by flooding and we want to help residents be prepared and become more resilient. We urge people to go to the website, look at the flood awareness pages and consider what action they should take. Visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/flooding.”