New forest could be created to act as giant 'sponge' to protect flood-prone town
direct to your inboxCampaigners want to create a new forest to act as a giant 'sponge’ in flood-prone Littleborough.The Pennines town often suffers when the region is hit by heavy rainfall - something which has become increasingly common over recent years.Now residents and local councillors are calling for a massive tree planting scheme on land at the derelict Longley Hey Farm.The proposed site sits just below Higher Chelburn Reservoir and stretches from there to Halifax Road.The campaign got underway after two residents approached Littleborough Lakeside councillor Tom Besford with the idea - and has now gained significant local backing.Coun Besford says the former farmland - owned by United Utilities - is perfect for a new forest, unlike