Major new flood defences planned for riverside

A major new phase of flood defence work for Preston and South Ribble has taken a step forward, with a planning application submitted for extensive upgrades along the rivers Ribble and Darwen.

- by Sean Gleaves

The Environment Agency has formally lodged plans with South Ribble Council for a package of new flood walls, embankments and improvements to existing defences in Walton-le-Dale, as well as an enhanced maintenance programme in Frenchwood.

If approved, construction on this latest section of the multi-million-pound Preston & South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme is expected to begin in spring 2026, with completion scheduled for 2027.