RESIDENTS concerned about flooding have been asked to give their views on how best to protect their homes in future.

Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council are consulting on a new strategy outlining plans to reduce the risk of floods.

In recent years there has been major flooding at various locations across the east of the county including in Ribchester, Waddington, Whalley, Billington, Padiham, Barnoldswick, Earby, Darwen, and Blackburn's Whalley Range and Feniscowles.

The three councils have produced a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy for Lancashire 2021 to 2027 on which they are now seeking residents' views via an online survey.

Cllr Albert Atkinson, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for flood risk management, said: "The devastating flooding which Lancashire experienced in 2015, along with the increasing frequency of flood events due to our changing climate, means we are all too aware of the terrible impact which flooding can have."

Cllr Jane Oates, who represents Blackburn with Darwen Council on the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, said: "In the borough we have invested in various flood mitigation works over recent years.

"Currently we are onsite with construction of a new culvert off Livesey Branch Road which will reduce potential flooding issues to 45 properties at Old Gates Drive.

"It’s really important that we listen to the views of our residents."