Drainage work begins on flood-hit village road

On Boxing Day 2015, the lives of so many residents living on Longworth Road, Billington, were turned upside down after floods devastated the village.

They were forced to abandon their homes when flood waters poured through the streets after torrential downpours.

Now, after years of community fundraising and grants, work has begun to improve the drainage system serving the area.

Andrew Ronnan, director of Whalley and Billington Flood Action Group, said: “We are delighted to see the infrastructure improvements on Longworth Road.

“Flood recovery is both a physical and psychological process.

“Our involvement has been one of active encouragement and general assistance now and again and the real credit deservedly goes to the co-ordinators of the project led by Mr Gordon Fishlock.”

Coun. Ged Mirfin, who represents Billington, said: “It is testament to the efforts of the Whalley Lions, the Lancaster Foundation and not least the residents of Longworth Road themselves who between them have raised the large amount of funding to carry out the necessary repairs to the road and drains.”

Similiar views were expressed by Coun. Stephen Atkinson, who commented: “We must ensure that going forward Longworth Road remains on the decision making radar in the Ribble Valley so that we do everything we can to minimise the impact of large scale flooding in the future.”

Former president of Whalley and District Lions, Gillian Darbyshire, added: “After the floods, Whalley Lions raised funds to support the recovery of the village.

“As this was an unadopted road there was no chance of it being done otherwise.

“I raised a grant of £10,000 to repairs the drains and gullies from the Lancashire Community Foundation.

“The residents have raised the remainder of the funds to ensure that this project goes ahead.

“We wish them well with the project.”