PEOPLE living and working in flood risk areas have welcomed a new early warning service.

Councillors and managers of businesses near the River Brun in Church Street, Keirby Walk and Hall Street, Burnley, said Environment Agency text alerts will give them a chance to save belongings and reduce water damage.

A total of 46 properties are earmarked as at risk of flooding from the river which led to the collapse of a 30ft wall outside St Peter’s Centre in Church Street in 2008, and flooding in Thompson Park in June last year.

Warnings will be issued via a 24-hour system which had previously installed to monitor rainfall amounts and river levels.

Daneshouse with Stoneyholme councillor Saeed Choudhary, whose ward covers Church Street said: “Anything that helps businesses and homes in the area is a good thing.

“I also think the Environment Agency should consider investing in more flood defences.”

St Peter's Leisure Centre manager Scott Bryce said: “It will be a useful tool to have because we will be able to use it to communicate more clearly with our members and maybe help avoid incidents in the future.”

To sign up to the scheme, call Floodline on 0845 988 1188, or visit the Environment Agency’s website at www.enviro nment-agency.gov.uk