Ribble's flood guards in place

Serious flooding last hit the area in 1995

A flood defence scheme to protect homes near the River Ribble, is to be unveiled.

The £3.5m project, in the Walton-le-Dale area, has been funded by the Environment Agency.

It will reduce the risk of the Ribble flooding, damaging more than 600 nearby homes and businesses.

The Rivers Ribble and Darwen have previously been subject to frequent flood watches and warnings from the Environment Agency.

Wildlife benefits

Serious flooding hit the area near the Ribble in 1980 and 1995.

Earth embankments running alongside the rivers have now been raised and widened, and a number of flood defence walls have been built from natural stone.

A riverside viewpoint close to the Victoria Road bridge has also been built, and new disabled access paths laid down.

It is also hoped the defences will also benefit wildlife.

Bat boxes have been erected, and breeding otters are being encouraged with the construction of a burrowed lair.