DRIVERS were plunged into difficulties in Walshaw Road, Bury, when a problem spot was again submerged.

Claims that flooding has been caused by releases of water from a lake belonging to the Bolholt Country Park Hotel were strongly denied.

Motorists heading towards Bury had to negotiate a mini-lake near Stewart Street early last week, following days of heavy rain.

One resident living on the main road claimed the flooding had been caused by sluice gates, serving the lakes at the Bolholt Hotel, being opened.

"This has happened before," she said, "When there is heavy rainfall, the gates are opened and the water comes down a culvert and then backs up on Walshaw Road."

But Stefan Sikorski, one of the hotel owners, dismissed the claim as "absolute rubbish".

He said: "The sluice gates are only ever opened in the summer when they are tested by engineers."

"I've lived in the area for years and have always known it to flood there.

"We would never do anything irresponsible where the local community is concerned."