Vital drainage work to start at flooding blackspot in Euxton

Network Rail’s West Coast Main Line bridge in Euxton Lane, Euxton, near Chorley, was badly flooded following the storms last December.

The road underneath was up to 10 feet of water for about 50 yards for weeks and only re-opened in January.

One daredevil hit the headlines when a video of him jet-skiing through the deluge went viral online.

Divers were also called in to search for missing vehicles believed to have been left there when their drivers became stranded.

But now the road closures necessary to carry out the 
essential work in Euxton Lane and adjoining School Lane are causing havoc for drivers on the school run in Buckshaw Village and Euxton.

The work was meant to have started in the summer during the school holidays to avoid heavy traffic and motorists have taken to Facebook to let off steam.

Paul Crompton wrote: “Does anybody know why 
they didn’t start the work in 
the summer holidays when there is around 40 per cent less traffic.”

Both roads are now set to be closed for drainage repairs until Friday, December 23 and as half term comes to an end, congestion is set to intensify at peak times.

Parents in Buckshaw Village driving their children to school to Euxton St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Euxton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School are particularly affected.

Conservative councillor at Euxton Parish Council Aidy Riggott has welcomed the start of the repair work. “It is really pleasing to see work finally underway that should prevent further flooding and disruption to residents,” he said.

“Pedestrian access remains open as this was a cause of major concern for local residents and parents travelling to the schools in Euxton.”

Neither Lancashire County Council or Network Rail, which is undertaking the work, were able to respond to 
queries on the issue before this paper went to press.