Fresh demands for action on M65 flood problems ‘before more deaths or injuries’

Urgent demands have been made for flooding to be tackled on the M65 in east Lancashire, ‘before any more loss of life or injuries’.

Pendle councillors from different parties have called on Lancashire County Council to sort-out drainage problems on the M65’s eastern section, which they say causes flooding in heavy rain.

The M65 has seen a number of accidents in recent years including a seven-car smash near Blackburn last month. The motorway is maintained by National Highways from Preston to Junction 10 at Burnley and by Lancashire County Council between Junction 10 and 14 at Colne.

Pendle councillors have called for specific action on the section towards Junction 14, where they believe drain problems and a lack of lighting at night are creating hazards for drivers.

The issue was raised at Pendle Council’s latest full meeting when Lib-Dem Coun David Whipp put forward an emergency motion following the seven-car smash near Blackburn last month. He is also a county councillor.

He said: “This is to try to stimulate Lancashire County Council to act on our concerns. The county recently gave a statement, saying two locations have been identified where heavy rain has caused flooding and improving those sites will require significant investment.

“But talks between the county and Pendle Council have revealed that no specific funding is available to deal with the issues on the section through our borough. The county has also suggested Pendle Council should deal with litter and debris which contributes to flooding.

“However, it is not acceptable for Lancashire County Council to continue to fail to act. Everyone knows only too-well the problems and the action that’s needed. Debris and litter is covering gulleys and drains,  preventing water from getting away. Underground work is needed to make the drains suitable. But unless the county pulls its finger out, we will continue seeing these risks for drivers.”

Conservative opposition leader Ash Sutcliffe said: “I support this motion. I think it’s a cheek to say flooding is caused by litter and that Pendle Council must do more. Litter is a national problem and we do a lot of litter-picking.

“There’s talk about funding being needed for that section. But simple things could be done,  like putting-up warning signs saying the M65 is liable to flooding. That would not be costly and would help everyone including drivers who are not familiar with the M65.”

Independent Asjad Mahmood said: “The M65 is putting lives at risk and we must treat this as a priority. Public safety must always come first.”

Conservative Nadeem Ahmed said: “We have raised this at various council meetings but nothing seems to happen. Are we going to wait for another loss of life or serious injury?  I don’t believe the county is taking this seriously enough. It has a legal duty to make sure the motorway is safe.”

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: “Keeping road users safe is our top priority, and we acknowledge the concerns raised about recent conditions on the M65.

“Lancashire County Council is responsible for maintaining a defined section of the M65 between Junction 10 at Burnley and Junction 14 at Boundary Mill. Colne. As part of this responsibility, we carry out regular inspections and routine drainage clearance to help reduce the risk of flooding.

“However, during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall, drainage systems – many of which were designed decades ago – can become temporarily overwhelmed.

“Like many local highway authorities, we are managing road infrastructure that requires significant investment, including assets designed decades ago that now require modernisation. The council’s resources are finite, which limits the pace at which more fundamental upgrades can be delivered.

“Alongside our ongoing maintenance activity, we continue to investigate longer‑term drainage improvements at known problem locations. Any permanent solutions are subject to detailed technical assessment and the availability of funding.

“The M65 forms part of the wider national motorway network, and we work closely with National Highways and others to raise concerns, share intelligence and respond to safety issues where they arise.”