A TINY kiosk - measuring only a metre wide - is set to become one of Burnley's first lines of defence against floodings.

Following this week's floodings, the Environment Agency are toughening up their flood prevention measures in the town with the proposed installation of specialist equipment on the River Brun.

Monday's floods took a heavy toll on the area with a wall collapsing outside the new St Peter's Centre on Church Street, pupils at Unity College sent home because of pools of water across Towneley Park and motorists waylaid by pools forming on the M65 between Burnley and Pendle.

Environment Agency officials, who have submitted the planning application for a new pre-fab building off Active Way believe it could be one early warning device against further major downpours.

Connected to the kiosk will be an electronic monitoring probe and an old-fashioned measuring pole while a pathway will be created from Active Way to the site for monitoring staff.

A spokesman for the agency's agents, Preston-based Smiths Gore, said: "The use of the kiosk will be for remote unmanned monitoring of the river level, to provide the Environment Agency with early warnings of floods, in order to issue flood warnings."

Agents say that the kiosks have a proven track record of keeping the agency informed about potential flooding levels, while remaining relatively vandal-proof.

The land for the scheme is owned by Burnley council's property services section, which has lodged no objection to the scheme. Planning officers from the council are set to consider the proposals before making a recommendation to councillors.

The levels of both the Rivers Brun and Calder have been noticeably higher this week after three weeks worth of rain is estimated to have fallen in a single day.

The Environment Agency has also been extendings its flood defences system to parts of Padiham this week, with an exhibition at the town hall about an early warning text and phone service.

Parts of Padiham town centre, alongside the River Calder, and residential areas including Green Lane, Livesey Street and sections of Lowerhouse will benefit from the scheme.

Homes thought to be at higher risk of being invaded by nearby watercourses are given prior warning of floods via a phone or text message system.

The agency also operates a floodline telephone service, available to anyone concerned about the threat, which is on 0845 988 1188.