WORK looks set to start next month.on a £54,000 flood defence scheme, aimed at keeping the River Ribble at bay in Clitheroe.

Residents of Riverside in Low Moor gave their backing to the scheme when it was unveiled last year.

Several houses suffered damage costing thousands of pounds when the Ribble burst its banks following torrential rain three years ago.

The scheme, which will include a five-foot high embankment and automatic flood warning system, was designed by the Ribble Valley Council's chief engineer, Graham Jagger, is due for completion in March.

The Ribble Valley Council planning committee is tonight expected to approve a £45,000 contribution toward the scheme.

The rest will be split between the Environment Agency and other organisations.

Residents were repeatedly told by the council and the Environment Agency that no cash was available for flood defence in Clitheroe.

But the new scheme will see the construction of a flood defence barrier and an alarm at the Environment Agency being triggered when the Ribble rises above a certain height in Low Moor.

Agency staff will then contact the residents and place them on flood alert.

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