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26 2020 26 August 2020
Vol 27• Issue 35
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INSIDE THIS WEEK:
REPRIEVE FOR UNDER -THREAT FLOOD PUMPS Report by Tom Martin FIVE flood pumps that were due to be decommissioned in West Lancashire have received a stay of execution... for the time being. Concerns have been raised that flooding in the borough could become even worse if the pumps are stopped. The Champion reported last week how residents and farmers, particularly in the Burscough and Hesketh Bank areas, suffered misery after flash floods resulted in homes and crop fields being filled with water - a situation which keeps on happening whenever there is sustained heavy rainfall. Lancashire County Council say prolonged heavy rainfall caused widespread surface water flooding due to the volume of water overwhelming local drainage systems. But it is feared that without the five pumps operating, the situation could be made a lot worse. The borough’s MP, Rosie Cooper, has
...decommission work is put on hold for now - but fight to retain them goes on
raised concerns over the future of the Alt Crossens catchment pumps which serve and protect swathes of the West Lancashire area from flooding.
Recent flooding on a road and field in Hesketh Bank
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The Environment Agency gave notice of its intention to cease operating these pumps back in 2015, but this notice has been extended pending resolution of legislative problems which prevent the formation of a local water management board. The latest extension runs until March 31, 2021. MP Cooper, said: “We’ve seen again parts of West Lancashire and particularly Burscough flooding in recent weeks and that is even with the continued operation of the five flood pumps. “I and many residents fear that should the notice for the Environment Agency to cease operation of these pumps be followed through, homes, businesses and agricultural farmland could all be subject to increased flooding. “I have received an interim update from the EA to say they will continue to operate the pumps until legislation is passed allowing for the formation of a local water management board, but would then seek to transfer ownership and operation to the newly formed body.
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The former West Lancashire College
Former Westbank college eyesore to be demolished in the coming weeks AFTER years of complaints that the former West Lancashire College buildings are an eyesore, the site could finally be demolished in the coming weeks. The former Westbank campus site in the centre of Skelmersdale, has been repeatedly vandalised since its closure in 2011. There have been a number of calls to tear down the buildings, with local residents complaining the site ‘resembles a war zone’. But following talks with both West Lancashire College and Lancashire Council Council, demolition works could be on the horizon. Lancashire County Council are acquiring the buildings and officers are finalising all elements of the purchase and the demolition contract, which will
commence this autumn. The news was welcomed by West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper, who said: “Local residents have often raised concerns with me that these buildings appear to be left insecure and members of the public can freely gain access. “Others have been disappointed at having to put up with the eyesore of a derelict building. “I am pleased that LCC are finalising the transfer of these buildings with a view to immediate demolition, and expect this work to start in the coming weeks. “The wider site has already been earmarked for the future Skelmersdale train station so getting this clearance work done now will ensure this doesn’t cause any delay.”
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