COUNCILLORS in flood-hit areas have highlighted the ‘absolute necessity’ of new defence schemes.

This year, Ribblesdale Road in Ribchester, and in Stubbins, near Ramsbottom, were targeted by schemes by the Environment Agency and Ribble Valley and Rossendale borough councils.

Ribchester residents living close to Boyce’s Brook and those near the River Irwell in Stubbins have been hit by overflowing waters in the past. In Ribchester, around £67,500 was used to place flood defences on front and back doors and install non-return valves on waste pipes.

Coun Ian Sayers said: “A lot of money has been invested and I think it’s definitely worth it if it saves residents having to pay out for repairs.”

In Stubbins, river banks are being raised with mud and stone defences. Eden Coun Darryl Smith said: “These defences are absolutely necessary, they could help prevent untold amounts of damage.”