THE RIVER RIBBLE is at an "increased risk of flooding" over the autumn and winter months due to the high levels of rainfall over summer.

Rainfall from May to July is 200% above the average and could result in flood warnings in numerous locations along the Ribble in the next few months.

The Environment Agency has already given "an enhanced flood risk" warning to all of England and Wales, and with forecasters predicting a wet autumn the Ribble looks set to have another record breaking season, which can only be bad news for residents on the Ribble floodplains.

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology have released statistics showing the speed of the River Ribble is 465% faster than average and that the water saturated in the soil is at an exceptionally high level.

Spokesman for the CEH Barnaby Smith said: "The soils are extremely wet in comparison with previous summer months and with more rain predicted it is unlikely soils will dry out. We are going to get more floods."The River Ribble will be vulnerable to winter floods over the next six months."

Numerous locations along the River are susceptable to flooding including Ribchester. Ian Rowland, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency said: "We are dealing with a force of nature here and you can never say never to a flood occurring. We can only manage the risks.

"However we do monitor flood levels throughout the year and try to attain the strongest possible idea of whether a river will flood.

"In the event of a flood we ensure the river is put on high alert and flood warnings are sent out to the local media."

It will depend on weather patterns throughout the winter months if the Ribble breeches its banks however some of the causes of flooding are already in place along much of the Ribble.

The Environment Agency encourages those who believe they are at a serious risk flooding of flooding to call the Floodline on 0845988188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk, and sign up for direct flood warnings.