A FLOOD defence group is being set up in Todmorden where fifty people are still homeless following disastrous flooding in June.

The summer floods caused damage estimated at nearly £12 million and resulted in the loss of jobs and people having to find temporary homes.

The inaugural meeting of the new group is being held at the New Oddfellows' Hall, off Dale Street, tomorrow at 7pm.

One of the organisers, David Hill, a member of Todmorden Lions, said: "The aim will be to keep in touch with the Environment Agency to try to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"There will be a team of people who will keep an eye on the water levels and to watch out for any excessive silting which could cause a blockage."

Todmorden has escaped any serious flooding this week. Mr Hill said that could be partly due to 2,000 tonnes of debris having been dredged from the river.

The river course is also to be slightly diverted so that water again flows under both arches of Callis Bridge.

Mr Hill added: "There are still about 50 people homeless at this late stage due to June's floods and difficulties over insurance claims."