Located in the quaint village of Ribchester along the river Ribble Valley, the Ribchester Arms pub was built in the early 1900s and has remained a popular meeting point for the villagers. However, nature has, on occasion, presented this beloved establishment with significant challenges. On Boxing Day 2019, the river Ribble rose, and the Ribchester Arms faced extensive damage, compelling its closure for over three months.
Fast forward to early February 2020, and the flood risk loomed large once more. With Storm Ciara approaching, the Ribchester Arms, along with several homes on Greenside, confronted the possibility of another inundation.
However, local residents and businesses wouldn't be left to fend for themselves. On 14th February, just days before the expected deluge from Storm Dennis, the Environment Agency, with assistance from Geodesign Barriers, proactively deployed the Industrial P101 Flood barrier in Ribchester. Designed to shield a total of 24 properties from the impending waters, this innovative flood defence barrier stood to ensure that the properties and residents of this historic village would remain dry at this occasion.
Preparedness on display in Ribchester: The Geodesign Industrial P101 Flood Barrier stands firm against potential flooding, safeguarding this historic village in the river Ribble Valley.
While these preventive measures were in place, nature had other plans. The Geodesign temporary flood barriers, despite their readiness, remained untouched by the floodwaters and were disassembled on 16th February.
Yet, Ribchester wasn't the only area grappling with the consequences of relentless rainfall. Rivers Ribble, Calder, and Derwent set new records owing to the sustained wet weather. Responding to the widespread flood warnings, the Environment Agency mobilised a vast team, nationwide. Their tasks varied from operating flood defences, deploying temporary pumps, clearing debris from the rivers, to inspecting and repairing damaged flood defences. In a remarkable display of preparedness and determination, the Environment Agency's operational teams erected over 6km of temporary flood barriers across various vulnerable locations.
