PRESSURE is being stepped up on the Environment Agency to start delayed flood prevention work in Earby.

A scheme to improve the Victoria Clough culvert was promised in February following water damage after last winter’s deluge of the town.

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Lord Tony Greaves from Pendle has raised the issue in the House of Lords while his West Craven Liberal Democrat councillor colleague David Whipp will take the issue to the full borough council next week.

The agency has indicated it is are still “hopeful” that work on the Victoria Clough culvert will begin by March 31 subject to the finalising of contracts detailed scheme agreed.

Government environment minister Lord Gardiner has promised to look into the position Earby.

Lord Greaves told him at Westminster: “Last February, £450,000 was allocated to a vital scheme to improve a culvert, called Victoria Clough, in the small town of Earby on the boundaries of Lancashire and Yorkshire, but nothing has yet happened.

“Is there a problem of capacity or resource constraints in getting the schemes going in Defra, the Environment Agency or anywhere else?

“If there is, would it not be sensible to let a competent local authority take it over?”

Lord Gardiner said: “I think that I had better look into the individual case and come back to you.

“Generally speaking, we are confident that this £2.5billion allocated over six years is going to make a very substantial difference, but we need continually to review the situation.”

Lord Greaves has now written to him suggesting the work could be contracted to Pendle Council.

Cllr Whipp said: “It’s almost 12 months since more than 100 homes and businesses suffered devastating damage from flooding in Earby.

“Following the Boxing Day floods, with the evidence already assembled, the Environment Agency speedily approved half-a-million pounds for work in the town.

“After that, things ground to a halt.

“Start dates have been repeatedly put back and no work has been carried out.

“Sadly, Earby was hit by further floods in September, with yet more homes inundated.

“A flood relief study for Earby is now due to report in August instead of June next year.

“It’s time that the EA got a kick up the backside.”

“I’ve submitted a resolution for the next meeting of Pendle Council calling for a start on work and for flood alleviation work to become the responsibility of the council.”