Heavy rain leads to flood alerts in several areas of Wigan

Residents are warned to “be prepared” for possible flooding on Wednesday in areas around both the lower and upper River Douglas.

The Environment Agency’s alert for the upper River Douglas states: “Rising river levels this afternoon may lead to flooding.

“Flooding is possible when river levels are at their highest from 3pm on October 16.

"Flooding is forecast to affect locations near the River Douglas, with low lying land and roads expected to be most affected, particularly around the River Douglas from Horwich Star Vale to Appley Bridge including Adlington, Blackrod, Wigan, Standish and Gathurst.

"Further flooding is possible throughout the evening as river levels are expected to remain high due to heavy rainfall.”

Following the Environment Agency’s alert, a post on Wigan Council’s Facebook page said: “Flooding is possible in areas of Wigan, Standish, Gathurst, Appley Bridge, Blackrod, Adlington and Horwich.

“Our road network teams are assessing these locations and road closures or diversions will be put in place if appropriate.

“Please take care, allow additional time for journeys and keep an eye out for further updates.”

A similar alert was issued for the upper River Douglas, which could affect the area between Parbold and Tarleton.

The Environment Agency says it is continuing to monitor rainfall and river levels and urges people to avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water.

The Met Office currently has a yellow warning in place for rain, which started at 6pm on Tuesday and runs until 9pm on Wednesday.

It warns the heavy rain may lead to travel disruption and flooding in some areas, with the “slight” chance of power cuts and a “small” chance of homes and businesses being flooded and communities being temporarily cut off by flooded roads.

Heavy rain caused flooding in several areas of Wigan at the end of last month, including at homes on Bickershaw Lane, Bickershaw.

Multiple roads were closed on that occasion, including Southgate, closed to Saddle junction, and Gathurst Road in Shevington, while flooding also led to disruption on the railway.