FLOOD barriers were deployed in Radcliffe as part of a live training exercise.

Staff from the Environment Agency learnt how to install the defences as part of an exercise to ensure the barriers can be quickly and safely put in place in the event of a flood.

Teams from the Environment Agency (EA) undertook a large-scale contingency test in Close Park on Thursday morning, involving a deployment, inspection and maintenance check on the equipment.

Mike Vernon, from the EA's incident, planning and engagement team, said: “This exercise allowed us to practice and test our barrier deployment plan for Radcliffe, gaining valuable training experience with our partners as well as the opportunity to identify ways in which we can further refine our plans. This in turn will enable us to better respond during floods.

“We are doing this now while the weather is good to be sure that we can operate the plan in earnest when we need to."

The 200m of demountable barriers, made of lightweight aluminium, are designed to offer protection to nearby properties should flooding occur.

These barriers, which form part of the Government’s national flood prevention plans, are stored at the EA's Sale depot and will be used at locations across the country should they be needed.

Cllr Catherine Preston, ward councillor for Radcliffe East, attended the exercise. She said: "The temporary flood defence exercise at Close Park shows the commitment to ensure that Radcliffe residents are better protected against future flood risk.

"The temporary defences coupled with the longer term plans for a permanent flood defence will be of considerable benefit to the local area. Not only will they help to improve the local environment and natural habitat, the defences will also encourage potential investors to have complete confidence in the wealth of opportunities that Radcliffe has to offer."

Mr Vernon said: "Temporary barriers are just one of the ways we aim to better protect people and properties.

"It is important to remember we can never fully protect against flooding". He encouraged residents to check their flood risk by visiting www.gov.uk and finding out how to protect themselves and their property.