AFTER a weekend of heavy rain the Environment Agency has now withdrawn all flood warnings in the area.

East Lancashire has been blighted by some of the most severe flooding in recent years after downpours on Friday.

But the Environment Agency said the risk of flooding across Lancashire has now receded as the worst of the weekend’s rainfall has passed. The overnight band of rain has moved away, and has been replaced by drier conditions, the agency said.

A spokesman said: "Exceptional rainfall and record river levels earlier this weekend led to extensive flooding across parts of the North West. "More than 100mm of rain – equivalent to one month’s rainfall – fell in just a few hours late on Friday. "Over the weekend, more than 4,700 homes were sent a flooding warning, and nearly 9,000 homes and businesses were protected by Environment Agency defences in the North West."

Environment Agency staff worked through the weekend, issuing warnings, and monitoring river levels.

Environment Agency North West director Steve Moore said: “We are pleased that the worst of the rain has now passed and that communities can begin to recover from the disruption that this weekend’s floods has caused. Our thoughts are with the people affected, as we know that the post-flood clean up can still be a difficult time.

“As people have seen first hand this weekend, flooding can cause huge worry and heartache, and we urge people to always be prepared for the risk. People can sign up to Floodline warnings on our website which will give them vital advance notice and time to prepare.”