THE next Flood Watch public meeting in Darwen is tomorrow at the New Methodist Church, on the corner of Bolton Road and Bright Street.

It starts at 6.30pm with a free buffet and offers an update on the project.

Residents are invited to discuss specific flooding issues in their areas.

Council officers will explain how flood ‘champions’ and flood action groups keep an eye on rivers to report blockages, sweep away rubbish from drains and assist vulnerable neighbours in the event of a flood.

A recent survey showed that more than 30 per cent of Darwen residents were willing to form a flood group.

Unveiled on the back of major flash flooding that hit the borough in 2012, Flood Watch is a joint initiative between Blackburn with Darwen Council and the government.

Marsh House councillor Tom Evans said: “There are lots of residents living in areas at risk of floods from surface water, rivers and culverts. It’s important that they are prepared.”