Valley facing new flood threat
RESIDENTS were dreading more flooding misery as storms swept through the Valley this week.
Flood warnings were put in place on Wednesday for large parts of the borough as Storm Christoph brought heavy rain.
The Met Office’s regional amber weather warning was due to be in place until 6am on Thursday. It warned of likely flooding, damage to buildings, danger to life, and travel disruption.
The Environment Agency upgraded its flood alerts to flood warnings for the River Irwell at Irwell Vale, Holt Mill Bridge, Rawtenstall, and Strongstry and Chatterton, warning of possible flooding for properties at Irwell Vale, Aitken Street, Bowker Street, Chapel Terrace, Hardsough Fold, Milne Street and Parkinson Fold. It also warned low lying areas may flood, with Limey Water at Rawtenstall at 1.1m by 4pm.
Residents on Burnley Road East in Waterfoot were battening down the hatches as drivers battled a growing lake near the Roebuck pub.
Tyrone Tresch said: “We are expecting it to flood our cellars. It will be coming if it carries on like this.
“We got it flooded last year and it took the cellar out. So fingers crossed. I’ve been in contact with the Environment Agency and left them a message, but don’t seem to be getting any response.”
Emma Farrow said: “This is happening more often. The river requires attention - dredging, more overflow holding tanks, barriers, and the drainage down Burnley Road East is insufficient.”
The floodline is 0345
988 1188.
On Wednesday Rossendale council said: “Flooding is possible today for properties close to Burnley Road, Bocholt Way, Bacup Road from Bury Road to Lench Road in Rawtenstall. Properties near Hareholme Mill, Victoria Works and Holme Lane also need to be aware. We are ready to respond.”
Rossendale & Pendle Mountain Rescue Team said their water-trained members have been placed on standby.