Residents act to tackle flood threat in Blackpool

Following two initial meetings, forums will be set up for Bispham and Greenlands, and for Norbreck and Anchorsholme.

The move was among recommendations made by the Section 19 Report following flooding in November 2017 when around 300 properties in the north of Blackpool were inundated with water during a heavy weekend of rain.

Anchorsholme councillor Paul Galley said the aim was to ensure there was a more structured response to storm events.

Forums could also co-ordinate preventative work such as clearing blocked drains and gulleys, and share information through social media.

He said: "A lot of people have signed up to join the forum, many of whom have unique knowledge of all the dykes and run-off channels in the area.

"The aim is to empower residents to be part of the solution. It's another step in the journey to manage high level flooding."

Coun Galley said a co-ordinated approach in Anchorsholme last August had seen gulleys and drains unblocked and weeds cleared away to enable water to disperse more efficiently.

He added: "We have had similar rainfall this time to 2017 but we haven't flooded. These drains are a hidden asset but many were blocked with litter and even builder's debris."

The forums will also work with agencies including councils, United Utilities and the Highways Agency, and could also put pressure on national planning authorities which have allowed more housebuilding despite local objections.

Coun Amy Cross said there was also a good response at the meeting for her ward Ingthorpe, along with Bispham, with residents signing up to set up a forum there as well.

She said ward funding had also been used to keep gullies clean and assist drainage.

Heavy rainfall from Storm Ciara earlier this month in Blackpool left parts of Carleton Crematorium under water and forced the evacuation of 18 properties in Revoe.