Flood measures to fortify Blackpool

Blackpool’s famous seafront will be protected from floods as a £27 million defence scheme is opened.

The new flood defence at Anchorsholme will safeguard the resort’s famous tramway and reduce flood risk to 4,800 properties.

Developers hope that the measures delivered by contractor Balfour Beatty will protect the town’s tourism and recreational income for the next 100 years.

Environment Agency chairwoman Emma Howard Boyd will open the scheme today.