FLOOD-hit residents in a Ribchester street are relieved that work to protect their homes will be carried out.

Twenty-seven houses in Ribblesdale Road have been plagued by flooding when Boyce’s Brook, which runs behind the houses, overflows and the water comes across the field.

Now Ribble Valley Council will carry out the work on behalf of the Environment Agency, using Government money.

It will include flood protection work at the front and back doors, pointing and the installation of non-return valves on waste pipes.

Resident Judith Freeman said: “The water comes across the field and into homes in the street.

“We have a raised area at the back, but it still manages to get into the kitchen which is beyond the raised area.

“I am very happy with what they are proposing.”

James Russell, head of environmental health service at Ribble Valley Council, said: “These properties were identified because they have had flooding several times over the past 10 years.

“Originally the Environment Agency wanted to work on Boyce’s Brook to remove the risk of entry, but unfortunately it was not feasible.”

The work, which is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will get under way later this month and is expected to be completed by the end of March.

On Friday, a Flood Fair was held in the village to provide residents with a chance to have a look at, or buy, some of the flood protection products on the market.

Mr Russell said: “It will cost around £2,500 for each house, but the damage can involve costs of around £30,000, so it is a cost-effective way of dealing with the problem."

Ribchester Coun Ian Sayers welcomed the scheme, describing it as ‘good news’ for the village.

He said: “In the past I have actually had a foot of water going through my back garden and that is the problem we can have, even in the summer when the river is low.”