HOME owners in Barrowford are to benefit from a £25million pay-out to help carry out essential flood defence works.

The North West Regional Flood Defence Committee announced last week they would increase their funding to £25.9million -- six per cent more than last year.

The Environment Agency welcomed the decision and said they planned to spend the money on a new flood defence scheme, as well as adding to existing schemes at Salford, Manchester and Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire.

Vital maintenance work on existing flood defences, including several locations affected by flooding during October and November, will also be carried out.

Councillor Alan Vickerman said any extra funds would be greatly appreciated by people in the area

He said: "We have had a lot of work done in Barrowford over the years, but there is more that needs to be done and we would welcome any money that would help that.

"The Environment Agency do know we have big problems and they are working on the river at the moment. This money can only improve the situation."

Jeff Lawrenson, the agency's regional flood defence manager, said: "I am delighted that the committee has endorsed the very important programme of work we have planned.

"Despite very heavy rainfall in October and November, the amount of flooding in the North West was nothing like the scale experienced in other parts of the country.

"However, we cannot be complacent and the levy agreed by the committee will allow us to carry out essential maintenance and improved flood defences and forecasting so we can continue to protect the people in the North West."