BUSINESSES along the River Darwen are being urged to sign up to a warning scheme to avoid potential devastation from flooding.

Darwen business have been targeted after it was revealed that the area had one of the lowest numbers to join the national scheme.

The flood warning scheme was set up by the Environment Agency, a public body which works to protect and improve the environment.

Only 20 percent of Darwen businesses have signed up to the scheme and the Environment Agency is concerned by the low uptake as the River Darwen poses a significant risk' to properties, including a number of industrial units, surrounding the river.

The scheme is a free service which alerts businesses by phone text, email or fax as soon as there is a risk of flooding from the River Darwen.

Business are being invited to the Darwen Employers' Forum meeting in Blackburn Rovers Football Club, Ewood Park, Blackburn, on January 16, from 11.45am to 2pm, where the Environment Agency will explain the advantages of the scheme.

Corinne Campbell, a member of the Environment Agency's flood management scheme, said: "Depending on the nature of the business floods can be devastating.

"They can destroy stock and lists of contacts and there is also the issue of the safety of staff.

"Businesses need to find out if they are at risk of flooding and if they can receive free flood warnings.

"The flood warning service alerts businesses by phone, text, email or fax when flood watches or warnings have been issued for that area by the Environment Agency.

"There has been a poor take up of the service in Darwen so we are targeting the area through the employers' forum."

Employers in the Darwen area who are interested in joining the forum or would like more information should contact Linda Grimshaw, Employers' Forums manager on 01254 505050, or email linda@cbpartners.