Residents and businesses are invited to attend a number of events hosted by the Environment Agency to share their views on the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme.

The drop-in sessions will be open from 3.30pm to 7.30pm and will feature updates on the project, details of the proposed defences, the changes made to the designs following the last round of engagement, opportunities to speak directly to the project team and feedback on the plans so far.

Read more: Watch as heavy rain causes flooding along Preston Guild Wheel

The sessions will be held at the following venues, whilst booking is not essential, we would recommend booking a time slot online via www.thefloodhub.co.uk/psr    

• Wednesday 9 October. Riversway and Broadgate, Preston Cricket Club, South Meadow Lane, Broadgate, Preston, PR1 8JP.

• Wednesday 16 October. Lower Penwortham, Penwortham Methodist Church, 6 Leyland Rd, Penwortham, Preston PR1 9XR.

• Tuesday 22 October. Frenchwood and Fishwickbottom, Frenchwood Community Primary School, Frenchwood Knoll, Preston PR1 4LE.

• Tuesday 29 October. Higher Walton, Capitol Centre and Walton Le Dale,  Walton Le Dale Community Centre, Queen Victoria Recreation Ground, Higher Walton Rd, Walton-le-Dale, PR5 4HB

• Tuesday 5 November. Higher Walton and Samlesbury, Tickled Trout Hotel, Preston New Rd, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UJ

Andy Brown, the Environment Agency’s Flood Risk Manager for Lancashire said: “The recent poor weather and subsequent flood alerts received by residents in Preston and South Ribble serve as a timely reminder why investment in new and enhanced flood defences is needed.

“It has been designed to take into account the impact climate change is likely to have on our rivers in the coming years, and offer increased protection for residents and businesses.

“This will be one of the largest building projects planned in Preston and South Ribble over the next four years.

Read more: City of Preston 10k cancelled due to ankle deep flood water

“Being able to hear directly from the public on our proposals, even at this early stage, means that where possible we can incorporate the feedback from our communities into our designs, along with looking for opportunities to enhance the local area with support from partners such as Lancashire County Council, Preston Council and South Ribble Council.

“Whilst we can never eliminate the risk of flooding altogether we can work together with partners to reduce the likelihood of serious flooding and protect local residents, business and infrastructure through the promotion of the Flood Warning Service; promoting how we can all best protect ourselves and introducing Flood Risk Management Schemes to priority areas.”

For further information, including how to register your attendance visit www.thefloodhub.co.uk/psr

What do you think about the plans to improve flood defences? Let us know in the comments section.