THE Environment Agency has renewed its flood warn- ing for East Lancashire, despite an improvement in the weather.

The region had a lucky escape for the most part earlier this week, before the rain eased yesterday.

And the Met Office pred-icted only a few showers of light rain, with wetter weath-er expected to come towards the end of the weekend.

North West regional dir-ector for the Environment Agency Steve Moore said: “The worst of the rain is heading south and is exp-ected to ease, but there is still a risk of flooding as earlier rainfall begins to flow downstream.

“We strongly urge people to monitor the flood warn-ing service, and keep a close eye on local weather forec-asts to be prepared for the possibility of flooding.

“We also ask that people stay away from rivers, and do not attempt to drive, or walk through, floodwater.”

Rail passengers were being advised to check before they travel after lines became flooded yesterday.

Several early morning services from Colne through Burnley, Accrington, and Blackburn were affected after a landslide was reported in Poulton-le-Fylde.

Rail carriages garaged overnight at Blackpool were trapped by the incident, causing problems with the availability of trains to East Lancashire.

And passengers through Darwen and Blackburn to Clitheroe were urged to take extra precautions following intermittent problems ear-lier in the week.

Rising water levels on the line around Whalley caused disruption to the Ribble Vall- ey service throughout the day, with either speed rest-rictions, or cancellations.

Sport around the region has also been affected, with councils concerned week-end matches may be called off. A spokeswoman for Hynd- burn Council said the situat- ion was being monitored and a final decision would be made on Friday afternoon.

Blackburn with Darwen Council officials were hopeful the improving weather would mean matches could go ahead.

Coun Faryad Hussain said: “The weather has left many pitches very wet, but the weather is due to improve, so hopefully the pitches will be fit for this weekend. A decision will be made on Friday.”