A group campaigning to protect the River Bride says storing water upstream would prevent Blackpool from flooding.
Save Our Bride Otters says it’s possible to input a flood relief scheme that will protect homes and businesses while not damaging the river or wildlife.
It comes amid fears there could be further delays to the 20 million euro flood relief scheme for Blackpool, after the Public Expenditure Minister said the “environmental impacts” of the scheme are being examined.
Speaking to RedFM News, Chris Moody of Save Our Bride Otters says the Government need to find a solution for Blackpool’s flood relief scheme:
"It's often suggested that people who oppose floods schemes don't care about people who are flooded, I can assure you that's not the case. I do care about people who are flooded. As a resident of Blackpool, I don't want to see my neighbours flooded. What I do want, is I want something that leaves Blackpool with its river. Are we just going to keep on covering it up ? Let's find the best solution for that pool and the best solution is upstream storage"
Speaking to RedFM News, Dr John Sheehan of Blackpool Bridge Surgery says Storm Babet caused homes and businesses to flood again recently:
"It's always a big concern for everyone in Blackpool and you know it's a number of buildings and homes in particular have been flooded over the last number of years, and in the most recent flood some of the premises in Blackpool in the village, and some of the houses out in the Commons have been flooded and it's very upsetting. We've a number of elderly people who've been flooded and left very upset after it. I think we just need to get on and we need to start to come up with some solutions, because at the moment, nothing is happening"
