PLANS for a wetland conservation area aimed at alleviating flooding in Padiham have been put forward by an environmental group.

The scheme is designed to stop areas of the town being affected by floods which have been a problem for the last few years.

Both the Town Hall and the Library have been affected by flood water in the past.

The proposed wetland area would be based on fields behind the Potterton plant in Wyre Street.

The scheme has been put forward by the Gawthorpe Environment Movement, a local conservation group based in the town.

The group claim that not only would the area help to prevent flooding but it would provide a splendid conservation haven for wildlife.

Flooding in Padiham has become a major problem in the last few years. The problem was increased when anti-flood measures were taken on the Lomeshaye industrial estate in Nelson to alleviate the flooding there. That meant the water has found an alternative path, taking the problem downstream into Padiham.

Steve Taylor, 56, of the Gawthorpe Environment Movement, said: "The area in question is already liable to become waterlogged and the excess does cause flooding problems for the town. The idea would be to leave the fields flooded all the time which would prevent the flooding and provide a wetland conservation area for wildlife.

"The scheme is an idea at this stage and we are hoping to raise the profile of the scheme with the public and with councillors."

A spokesman for Burnley FC, which owns land at Gawthorpe, said: "At the moment we have received no suggestion from anyone that they want this to happen.

"We will await their proposals and will make further comment when we have received them."

The Gawthorpe Environment Movement was set up in 1994 and has worked on conservation projects throughout the region, including at Shuttleworth Mead.

By NICK EVANS

Telegraph Reporter