The Environment Agency has revealed a £1 million flood alleviation project in Earby, Lancashire is set to be delayed following the discovery of a 'major obstruction'.

The scheme, which aims to provide vital protection to 91 homes and 17 businesses in the village, has been set back after an obstruction was discovered whilst drilling was being carried out for a new culvert beneath the disused railway embankment under halfway along the route.

The project started on Monday, 23 July and was anticipated to take 13 weeks to complete. To reduce the impact on local residents, the current temporary traffic lights on the A56 will be removed on 14 September and will be reinstalled for a shorter period of time when a solution has been agreed.

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Temporary traffic lights will then be installed next week for around two weeks at the junction of the A56 and Victoria Road, near the Co-op food store, so that further sections of Victoria Clough culvert can be repaired.

Despite this setback, the EA said other elements of the project are progressing well with the completion of 43 metres of structural re-lining of Victoria Clough culvert from the junction of Valley Road and Victoria Road. The road is expected to be re-instated and re-opened by Friday, 21 September.

Paul Swales, flood risk advisor for the Environment Agency, said: "We would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work to reduce flood risk and protect their properties."

(LM/CM)