WARNING systems are set to be installed on two rivers to help protect Burnley against flooding.

The Environment Agency wants to build kiosks containing specialist equipment to monitor the water levels of both the River Calder and River Brun.

It has asked Burnley Council to give it a 25-year lease on four metres square of land in both Thompson Park and Active Way for the river gauging stations.

The stations will check the water levels of both the rivers and provide data to the Environment Agency to warn of flood in periods of heavy rainfall.

They will comprise of small kiosks, approximately the same size as a telephone box, which are painted dark green or grey. Measuring equipment is also placed in the river.

A report prepared for the executive committee, which will discuss the request at its meeting on April 22, said: "It is proposed that the leases are granted for a term of 25 years to allow long term data to be gathered regarding changes to water levels.

"The Environment Agency has requested that the leases be granted at nil rent since they are to be installed in the interest of public safety.

"The Environment Agency is, however, prepared to meet the council's legal and surveyor's costs in the matter."

Councillors are recommended to approve the plan and authorise the completion of the required leases, according to the report.

In January floods took a heavy toll on the area with a wall collapsing outside the new St Peter's Centre on Church Street, pupils at Unity College sent home because of pools of water across Towneley Park and motorists waylaid by pools forming on the M65 between Burnley and Pendle.

The Environment Agency already operates a floodline telephone service, available to anyone concerned about flooding, which is on 0845 988 1188.