Accrington or Venice?
Fears as new £2m square floods
CONCERNS have been raised after heavy rainfall caused Accrington’s £2 million new flagship square to flood.
The new public realm scheme was dubbed ‘Lake Accrington’ by some after becoming submerged with water.
Council bosses blamed a blocked drain at the development, which is not yet finished, and promised it won’t happen again.
Rachael Slinger, manager at the Admiral arcade which sits opposite the Market Hall on Blackburn Road, said the flooding extended past neighbouring shops.
She said: “It was quiet in the shop and I just stood in the door and people were walking past making jokes. It was mostly banter, but people are annoyed.” Coun Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn council leader, said remedial works had been carried out to clear the blocked drains, and reassured the public that the floods will not be repeated the next time there is heavy rainfall.
AWKWARD questions have been posed over Accrington’s flagship £2 million town square development after it was submerged following heavy downpours last weekend.
Heavy rainfall failed to drain properly away from the front of the square in front of the town hall on Saturday, June 16, dubbed ‘Lake Accrington’ by some wags.
The square is being renovated as part of the new ‘public realm’ scheme to improve Accrington town centre.
Council bosses blamed a blocked drain on the development, which is not yet finished, and promised it won’t happen again.
Rachael Slinger, man- ager at the Admiral arcade which sits opposite the Market Hall on Blackburn Road, said the flooding extended past neighbouring shops.
She added: “Saturday was a downpour - the square was flooded right outside the shop and went past the travel agents next door.
“I had at least two-inch heels on my shoes and they were completely covered with water.”
Such was the depth of the water, people saw the funny side and someone even set a couple of paper ‘boats’ afloat on the ‘lake’.
But Rachael said that, despite the jokes, many passers-by were annoyed.
She said: “It was quiet in the shop and I just stood in the door and people were walking past making jokes.
“It was mostly banter, but people are annoyed.
“Personally, I’m not so keen on the square - there’s touching-up to do but I don’t think it looks nice.”
Passer-by Donna White snapped a photo of the waters gathering, posting on Facebook: “What a shame.
“Anyone fancy a paddle?
“Come on council get that drain unblocked.”
Coun Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn council leader, said remedial works had been carried out to clear the blocked drains, and reassured the public that the floods will not be making a return next time the heavens open.
He told the Observer: “Wet mortar that was used to lay flags had washed into the drain and later solidified.
“This was simply a draining issue that has now been resolved.”
He added: “The task of completing the public realm is still in progress. There are still several weeks of preparation work to be done.”