SENIOR politicians have called for £12.5million of emergency government flood defence cash announced yesterday to include grants to areas of East Lancashire hit by the Boxing Day deluge.

Parts of the Ribble Valley, Padiham, Rossendale and Pendle were hit by the Christmas holiday rains which caused thousands of pounds worth of damage and forcing people out of their homes.

Environment secretary Andrea Leadsom yesterday published the results of the government’s National Flood Resilience Review, set up after the devastating deluges last winter across many parts of northern England.

The long-awaited report outlines £12.5million for temporary defences such as barriers and high-volume water pumps.

Ribble Valley borough deputy leader Cllr Terry Hill, Burnley council boss Cllr Mark Townsend and Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry yesterday pledged to campaign to make sure some of the new defences and cash flowed to their areas.

Mrs Leadsom promised to increase protection of key local infrastructure such as phone networks and water treatment works.

The £12.5million will see temporary defences held at strategic locations around the country, giving the Environment Agency four times more temporary barriers than last year.

The Government also said it would use the evidence of the review to plan investment in flood defences after 2021.

Cllr Hill siad: “Ribble Valley Borough Councll will be lobbying to ensure some of the money and temporary defences come to places like Whalley and Ribchester so badly hit by flooding on Boxing Day.”

Cllr Townsend said: “I will be pressing the government to ensure places like Whalley, Padiham, Cliviger, Worsthorne and parts of Pendle hit by the flooding over the Christmas holiday get their fair share of the cash.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “After the devastation caused last Winter, this extra money for flood defences is very welcome I will be making representations so communities across my constituency get their fair share.”

Friends of the Earth campaigner Guy Shrubsole said:”This review suggests a sea-change in government understanding of floods, but its recommendations are a wash-out.”

Mrs Leadsom said: “This review sets out clear actions so we are better prepared to respond quickly in the event of future flooding and can strengthen the nation’s flood defences.