COUNCIL bosses have revealed a comprehensive package of measures which they hope will protect Padiham Town Hall from future flooding.

Plans for flood-resilient windows and doors, especially in the basement level openings at street level, are among the safeguards for the pre-war building.

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The project will see replacement maple block flooring installed in the ballroom, which was devastated by the deluge on Boxing Day 2015.

Internal plasterwork, some dating back to when the hall opened in 1938, is also set to be replaced, along with internal and external doors.

The Burnley Road landmark was swamped more than a year ago, along with several town centre traders, after the River Calder burst its banks.

Repair work was then hindered when engineers found that asbestos within the structure had been displaced, in the refreshment area annexe. Borough council officials have now drawn up detailed plans for a major refurbishment programme, which should also make the venue more fire resistant.

Planning agent Andrew Leah said: “The reinstatement works includes the repair and renewal of building elements that have been affected by the flood water such as decorative finishes, wall plaster, internal doors and casings, external doors and casings, windows, skirting boards, floors, partitions, and services including gas, water and electricity.”

This will include relocating the boilers and electrical fuse boxes, which were housed in the basement, into adjoining rooms on the first floor.

Non-return valves will also be fitted to the main drainage system, along with flood gates underneath the premises.

The basement at the town hall not only houses a general store but public toilets, with the town’s library, the ballroom, town archive and offices above.

Town councillor Bob Clark said previously: “We want to restore the town hall to its former glory once the repairs have been completed.”

The middle of May was the last possible reopening date mentioned to users.

Funding for the repair work is said to be recoverable through the borough council’s insurers.

Padiham Town Council has been staging its full bi-monthly meetings in the clubroom at Padiham FC and committee meetings in Molly Rigby’s club in Mill Lane.

Town clerk Stephen Hughes is still working from their town hall offices three days a week.