Heavy rain prompts River Douglas flood alert but water levels 'beginning to fall'

A flood alert - which means flooding is possible and that preparations should be made - was also issued for the Upper River Douglas and remains in place this morning, though the Flood Warning Information Service said the water levels were beginning to drop again.

A flood warning - meaning flooding is expected and immediate action should be taken - was issued on Tuesday, August 25, for Honksford Brook at Worsley Business Park and Mosley Common Road, but has since been removed.

A statement on the Flood Warning Information Service website, said: "River levels remain high but are beginning to fall at the Wigan river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, the risk of flooding is reducing and the level at Wigan Basin, which was operated, is expected to start falling later this morning.

"Therefore, the situation is expected to improve. Areas affected are low lying land as roads in Horwich, Adlington, Wigan, Appley Bridge and Skelmersdale. High river levels are possible on the River Douglas, Pearl Brook, River Tawd, Eller Brook and their tributaries.

"River levels have now fallen below the flood risk threshold. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are checking defences. Please plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded."

Information can be tracked online at the Flood Warning Information Service website.