Storm Christoph: Tonnes of sandbags delivered to Lancaster village as residents prepare for flooding

The newly formed Halton Flood Action Group held a meeting on Zoom last night, January 18, after the Met Office issued weather warnings for heavy rain over the coming days.

The Environment Agency has also issued flood warnings for several parts of the district, including Halton.Halton resident Ed Maxwell, who was involved in forming the Halton Flood Action Group, said around 15-20 people joined the online meeting, and a coordinated effort has been agreed where volunteers take sandbags out to the most vulnerable in the village.

He said: "This was done at very short notice but the response has been amazing.

"We were able to access a small amount of sandbags from the parish council, but Lancashire County Council has played a blinder and has probably delivered around 20 tonnes of sand bags to key locations in the village.

"Through the people who came to the meeting we've been able to distribute them to those who are most at risk from flooding."

Residents on the Forgewood Estate have prepared a sandbag wall across the entrance to the estate, to be put in place later if floodwater becomes an issue.

Ed, whose own house in Church Brow has flooded on several occasions due to the River Lune bursting its banks, said he expected a breach tonight at around 10pm.

He added: "It's been great to see how many people have come out and got stuck in with it, and the guys from the HiQ garage in High Road have helped a lot.

"Hopefully we'll have helped people feel a little less alone and a little less frightened tonight."

Residents in Halton most recently battled surface water flooding in November 2020.John Davies, head of highways at Lancashire County Council, said: "We always respond to reports of flooding as quickly as we can, and whatever the problem our teams will do their best to help.

"Our teams have already been checking culverts and drains which are vulnerable to becoming blocked, and will be on standby to respond to any reports of flooding we receive.

"During heavy and persistent rain such as has been forecast this week we can expect there to be some surface water flooding, and I would ask people to be very careful on the roads.

"If you encounter a flooded road, please stop and turn around rather than put yourself at risk."