SIX flood-affected areas of Rossendale are set to be investigated after county council environment bosses secured an £80,000 grant from Whitehall.

Neighbourhoods near to the upper reaches of the River Irwell will benefit from the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs funding to run ‘pathfinder’ schemes, which could lead to remedial work later.

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Stacy Carruthers, a county council flood risk official, said in a report: “The funding will allow a number of flood mitigation options to be investigated and a preferred option to be selected to address flood issues in six small areas of the Upper Irwell.”

One of the initiatives is scheduled for Strongstry, where up to 44 properties are regularly affected by flooding and a build-up of surface water.

Another 29 homes near Waingap Rake, in Whitworth, where two culverts are blocked, could see some respite, as would 16 houses in Ewood Bridge, which suffers from difficulties during periods of heavy rainfall.

Flooding from the nearby highway network is an issue for residents in Johnny Barn Cottages, Cloughfield, but there has also been a recent incident where water built up after running down from a nearby hill.

Surface water has been seen to bypass the ordinary watercourse, and road gullies are prone to becoming jammed around Rooley Moor Road in Stacksteads, with several potential design solutions mooted.

Three properties and the primary school in Linden Lea and Lomas Lane, Rawtenstall, are affected as the capacity of a culvert is often exceeded.

The school playing fields are left sodden as a result.

“As part of the investigations into preferred options, consideration will be given to how to fund and deliver the capital schemes identified,” added Ms Carruthers.

“This could include these schemes being prioritised as part of future Lancashire County Council’s capital programmes, working with partners to identify funding options or submitting funding bids to Defra.”

CCTV surveys are set to be carried out, along with dye testing of culverts, to examine blockages.

Consultations are promised with residents, landowners and other statutory agencies.