West Lancashire Borough Council is carrying out improvement works to help protect its tenants, whose homes were flooded during recent heavy rains, from future problems.



The Council is aware that 41 of its properties have had internal flooding caused by heavy rainfall over the last 12 months. Whilst these flash floods were very unusual weather events, the Council is keen to do all it can to ensure damage caused by future storms is limited.

Surveys are well under way to establish the most suitable flood alleviation measures for the individual properties and circumstances. These surveys have been prioritised and work has already begun at the homes that were most affected. Improvement measures being taken include new retaining walls, waterproof membranes, structural works, flood barriers and improvements to external drainage.

Councillor Jenny Patterson, portfolio holder for housing and Landlord Services, said: "We understand the stress and heartache that can be caused by flooding. We want to do as much as we can to protect tenants and strengthen their homes' defences against future flooding. We will endeavour to complete necessary works as soon as possible and would ask tenants to be patient."

The Council would also like to encourage any of its tenants who have been affected by internal flooding caused by heavy rainfall to get in touch if they have not already done so, for their home to be assessed. This can be done by telephoning Peter Kewley on 01695 585396, or by email: Peter.kewley@westlancs.gov.uk<mailto...stlancs.gov.uk>.

Private residents who have been hit by flooding incidents can get helpful advice by contacting the Environment Agency's Floodline 0345 988 1188. In addition you can also get useful advice from the Borough Council's website www.westlancs.gov.uk/flooding.