AN INVESTIGATION has been launched to protect six areas of Rossendale from flooding.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has approved a grant to solve the problem of rivers bursting their banks in the Upper Irwell.

Lancashire County Council will spend the £80,000 to find a solution to a problem that threatens homes, businesses and a school in the borough.

The areas most under threat are Waingap Rake, Ewood Bridge, Johnny Barn Cottages, Linden Lea and Lomas Lane, Rooley Moor Road, and Strongstry.

The areas cover around 120 schools, roads, businesses and Ballenden Community Primary School.

Floods were felt across the region in July 2007, damaging homes and businesses in the Upper Irwell catchment area including Bacup, Haslingden, Ramsbottom and Rawtenstall.

County Cllr Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, planning, and cultural services, said: “Following widespread flooding across the UK in the summer of 2007, the government introduced changes to the way flood risk is managed, giving the county council new responsibilities to coordinate activities to reduce the risk to people and property.

“This funding is very welcome and will allow us to investigate the options to address flooding issues in particular locations in the Upper Irwell in Rossendale where houses, businesses, schools and roads are at risk during severe storms.

“We’ll need to make separate bids to deliver any work to provide solutions to these problems, however it’s vital that any solutions work effectively and provide good value for money, with proper investigation being the first step.

“We’ll consult closely with local people, businesses and Rossendale Council to agree any flood alleviation schemes resulting from these investigations.”

Flooding can often be caused by water from various sources, and the funding will also allow the county council to identify the cause of problems.

County Cllr Clare Pritchard, lead member with responsibility for flood risk management, said: “We’re working hard to improve Lancashire’s resilience to flooding, which can put lives at risk, damage our economy and infrastructure, and cause real misery.

“Fortunately severe storms don’t happen too often, but this funding will help to ensure we’re better prepared, and they’re less likely to cause severe problems when they do occur.”