SURVEYS have revealed £500,000 of repairs must be done after the summer’s flooding in Darwen.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said the work, which includes repairs to footpaths, underground culverts, drains, roads and boundary walls, must be carried out ‘as soon as possible’.

Funding will come from the council’s new infrastructure reserve.

Particular attention is to be paid to damage in Knott Street and Union Street, which had to be closed in July after fears that buildings were on the verge of collapse.

Businesses were also evacuated after it was though that the market car park wall was in danger of collapsing with the pressure of surface water.

Sunnyhurst Councillor Dave Smith said: “I’m really pleased. The council have had a good look at everything that’s needed, it’s all been assessed, and now work can crack on.

“What’s really good is they’re not just looking at repairing the main road, but other areas and roads around Sunnyhurst Wood which gets a lot of run-off.

“You can’t say that this will prevent any flooding happening again, because you might get another torrential downpour, but the council is doing everything it can.”

The work is expected to be completed in December.

The council also confirmed that it will receive £150,000 from the Environment Agency for three drainage projects at Bury Fold Brook, Darwen, Bury Road culvert, Darwen, and also in Queen’s Park, Blackburn.