Lancashire gives thanks in the wake of flooding – and prepares for future challenges

Thanks to the coordinated response from emergency services, local councils, and volunteer groups, the worst outcomes were mitigated. Anyone who has experienced flooding knows the devastating toll it can take – not just on property, but on people’s wellbeing.

The mental anguish caused by flooding cannot be understated, and those fears and anxieties were very real this weekend as Lancashire faced heavy rainfall and numerous flood warnings.

Thankfully, widespread catastrophic flooding was avoided, in part due to strong preparations and swift action on Saturday night by the council and its partners, alongside the efforts of individual residents and their communities.

Our highways teams were actively deployed, diverting water and managing drainage to protect vulnerable areas. Sandbags were also made available to those that needed them at highways depots across the county.

The weekend’s events underline the importance of community resilience and highlight the urgent need for continued investment in flood preparedness for future incidents. We remain committed to working together to protect Lancashire’s communities from the increasing risks posed by extreme weather.

Cllr Stephen Atkinson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said:

“Our thoughts are with all residents and businesses affected by the recent flooding. The level of rainfall over the weekend was exceptional, and our teams have been working around the clock to mitigate the impact.

"We are coordinating with all our partners, including the Environment Agency and emergency services, to ensure a swift and effective response.

"The public’s cooperation in following safety advice has been invaluable.

"I would also like to thank our staff and partners for their efforts over the weekend.”

As the Lead Local Flood Authority for Lancashire, the county council plays a central role in managing the risk of local flooding. This includes flooding from surface water, groundwater, and smaller watercourses.

We work closely with other key agencies to ensure a coordinated approach. The Environment Agency is responsible for main rivers and coastal areas, and issues flood warnings. United Utilities manages flooding caused by public sewers or burst water mains. Local district councils and private landowners also have responsibilities, including maintaining watercourses on their land to ensure the free flow of water.

By working together, we can build a more resilient Lancashire for all our communities.

Residents and businesses can report their flooding on our website: Report it - Lancashire County Council

Alternatively you can telephone to 0300 123 6780.

For more information, visit: Flooding – Lancashire County Council