PROPOSALS for a new £3.5 million flood-prevention project for central Blackburn have been drawn up by the Environment Agency and borough council.

The Wranglings Flood Alleviation Scheme aims to avoid any repeat of the damage caused when the River Blakewater overflowed in 2002 and 2004, with business premises along Whalley Banks, Canterbury Street and Carlinghurst Road badly affected by the deluges.

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The new scheme, due to start this summer and take 12 months to complete, will shore up defences along the river between the Blackburn Youth Zone and the Ambulance Station of George Street West.

It will reduce flood risk to more than 200 local homes and businesses in Blackburn. after a series of near floods since 2004.

A new bridge, which is part of the new Freckleton Link Road, will form an important part of the flood defence works.

It has been designed to fit with the agency flood defences and their foundations.

Sections of new wall will be built, as well as alterations to the existing river walls, to increase their height between Byrom Street and Freckleton Street.

The scheme will also increase surface water drainage to the river.

The work will be completed in conjunction with Blackburn with Darwen Council’s construction of the £4 million Freckleton Street link road project. to minimise disruption.

Over the last year the Environment Agency has worked with local businesses on an outline design, and has appointed Volker Stevin and Atkins to develop this blueprint and construct it.

Council environment boss Jim Smith said: “The work [will] strengthen flood defences and work towards protecting homes.

“This scheme is essential and will reduce the risk of flooding in the future for homes and businesses in the town centre.”