Trains forced off line as flood waters rise

TORRENTIAL rainfall left train lines between Rochdale and Todmorden blocked.

The Met Office issued a ‘danger to life’ weather warning on Thursday as the deluge swept across the north of England.

According to the Oldham Weather Twitter account, 76mm of rain had fallen on Greenfield in Saddleworth and 59mm in Littleborough by 7.45pm.

The rain appeared to stop around 2am Friday but the knock-on effects were still causing problems the following day.

Trains between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge were suspended due to flooding in the Summit tunnel near Littleborough and replacement buses were not put on due to flooding on the roads.

By 2pm, flooding in the Calder Valley had subsided with services back in operation, though they were often delayed due to speed restrictions on the line.

Three flood warnings were issued for Rochdale on Thursday as downpours caused transport chaos.

The Environment

Agency (EA) issued the warnings for the River Roch in Rochdale town centre and Littleborough, and also for Hey Brook.

The warnings were classified as “flooding is expected - immediate action required”.

Rochdale Sixth Form College, which was forced to close early on Thursday due to the risk of flooding, confirmed it reopened the following day.

A post on the college’s Facebook page on Friday said: “Thankfully, the River Roch levels have dropped over night and the college will be open as normal today.”