内容摘要：The new flood walls are set to be installed this year.

The new flood walls are set to be installed this year.

The council added the cost is significantly less than if a care leaver still needed care and support post 18.Lancashire County Council is to encourage more of its staff to become foster carers by giving them extra leave and flexible working.

Foster carers on its payroll would receive paid time off - wherever possible - to settle a child into their household, attend statutory meetings in relation to the children and undertake training for their role.For council worker and mother-of-three Hannah Ikhlas, becoming a foster parent is "not just about giving, it's about what you receive in return".Ms Ikhlas, who works at Manchester City Council, said she decided to take on a foster child after her kids grew up and became more independent, and from seeing first-hand the council's need for foster parents.

The 49-year-old encouraged others with the space in their houses and hearts to do the same.She said: "I've learned so much from my foster child, and this experience has made me a better person."

She added: "My children are proud to be part of our foster family, and it's been a wonderful experience for us all."

Ms Ikhlas, from Cheadle, Greater Manchester, said the council's fostering team helped her overcome initial concerns including balancing fostering with her full-time job.In the meantime, a number of drivers have refused to work extra Sunday shifts and overtime, which has had an impact on services.

Unite, RMT and TSSA also rejected the pay increase offer tabled by ScotRail on Friday.ScotRail managing director Joanne Maguire said lessons had been learned from previous strikes and the timetable put in place was “the most reliable” possible with current staffing levels.

She added the operator was working to ensure the impasse between the unions was bridged.But she denied that ScotRail was overly reliant on rest day working.