In the wake of Storm Ciara's devastation on 9 February, 2020, around 40 homes in Billington in Lancashire experienced severe flooding when the river Calder bursts its banks. On that occasion, no flood barriers were in place. But on 14 February, the Environment Agency deployed the P101 Geodesign Industrial Barrier to protect the affected properties on Longworth Road ahead of the next threat – Storm Dennis.
A Geodesign staff member inspects the flood barriers in Billington, Lancashire, safeguarding homes against potential flood threats.
The same properties had also been flooded during the 2015 Boxing Day and some residents told the BBC they could no longer afford insurance. During Storm Dennis, the temporary flood barriers were in place well ahead of its approach but this time there was no water against them. Billington's experience during these storms shows the importance of proactive flood planning and preparedness against increasingly weather related threats.
