A CASH injection of £1.5 million is set to safeguard a community in East Lancashire from the threat of serious flooding.

The grant has been awarded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to improve defences at the confluence of the Rivers Ribble and Darwen at Walton-le-Dale, near Blackburn.

The work will involve the replacement of existing flood walls and raising and reprofiling existing earth embankments. It will help protect 600 residential and 65 commercial and industrial properties.

Mr Elliot Morley, floods and costal defence minister, said: "I am delighted that the department has approved these important works.

"There has been a history of flooding, with the most significant recent event in 1995."

DEFRA provides grant aid to the Environment, local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards for capital works.

Nigel Wilder, Walton-le-Dale work project manager, added: "Consultation and preparation for this flood defence work has been on-going since 1995.

"It will prevent the disruption to the community that flooding often brings."