Thousands of Preston & South Ribble homes to be protected as multi-million flood defence scheme is approved

Construction is due to start this spring, with works scheduled to complete in early 2028.

Once the whole scheme is finished, thousands of properties will benefit from increased protection against flooding. The defences will help reduce flood risk to homes and businesses in Walton-le-Dale.

The works are taking place along the River Ribble and River Darwen and include:

• making improvements to existing defences
• raising the height of some existing defences
• building new flood defence walls
• building a new embankment

The scheme is one element of the Environment Agency’s work to help deliver the government's commitment to invest a record £2.65 billion over two years towards the construction of new flood schemes and the repair and maintenance of existing ones.

Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager, Richard Knight, said: “I am delighted that planning permission has been granted for new and improved defences that will help protect thousands of properties in the area.

“Climate change is making extreme weather events more common. Whilst flood walls in Walton-le-Dale have not been overtopped, the intense rainfall we saw in January 2025 made it clear that we need improved defences on the Rivers Ribble and Darwen.”

How residents can keep up to date

The best way for residents to keep up-to-date with the scheme is via contractor VolkerStevin’s ‘Engage’ mobile phone app, downloadable for free from app stores. Enquiries about the Scheme can be submitted via email to [email protected]

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