AN early morning deluge of rain sparked flooding fears across East Lancashire.

Bury Road in Edgworth was among the areas hit, with waters reaching a couple of feet after downpours which lasted for around 12 hours.

Drivers had to mount the pavement to avoid the water.

Meanwhile, houses in Knowley Crescent in Shawforth where threatened after street gulleys became blocked with leaves.

The Environment Agency issued a river warning to low lying communities neighbouring the River Spodden in Whitworth.

Tenants in Elm Street, Daniel Street and Tong Lane along with the football ground were placed on alert at 8.09am yesterday. The warning was removed three hours later.

As the rain receded just after midday, residents and business owners spoke of their worries over the prospect of more wet weather.

Gavin Smith, owner of the Pioneer Gym in Bacup, whose building has been devastated by flooding before, said: “Whilst fortunately the latest wet weather didn’t affect us, we can’t guarantee what will happen in the future.

“We’ve invested a lot in protecting the gym as best we could after we were hit last time but the issue is that drains nearby just can’t cope.

“It will only be when we get a real prolonged downpour that we will see the effectiveness.”

Lewis Trippenden, assistant manager and chef of the Rose and Crown in Edgworth, saw the water when he headed into work.

He said: “It was a pretty heavy stream of water and has made me a bit worried about black ice problems on the road as we draw into winter months.”

Whitworth councillor Sean Serridge said: “I got several calls from worried residents about rising waters in front of their houses.

“Myself and some agency workers got there just in time and luckily they were able to clear drains that had been blocked with leaves.

“We got there just in time to avoid problems because the water had already flown onto driveways and had almost reached the top of doorsteps.”

Environment Agency spokesman Gary Vyse said: “Following unsettled weather, a flood warning was issued for the River Spodden.

“Monitoring was carried out and the warning was later lifted after river levels dropped.

“We urge people to check the latest situation and sign up to free river and coastal flood warnings by visiting our website and following our Facebook and Twitter feeds.

“For information and advice call Floodline on 0845 988 1188.”

WEEKEND WEATHER

FORECASTERS are expecting more heavy rain this weekend as wet spells and strong winds sweep the area.
The Met Office predicts downpours and winds of 22mph will hit Lancashire tomorrow morning before sweeping north later in the day. While rains are expected briefly to relent to showers later in the day and on Saturday, blustery showers are expected to return on Sunday.
Next week does not look much better as ‘wet and windy’ weather sets in.