Residents suffer flooding misery as Bert strikes

Homeowners forced to flee as river bursts its banks again

- JOSEPH TIMAN

RESIDENTS have evacuated their homes after the River Irwell burst its banks on the edge of Greater Manchester.

Storm Bert has brought heavy rainfall which has seen the river forecast to rise to its highest level on record near Ramsbottom.

The River Irwell reached 2.33 metres near Stubbins, but has since fallen, falling short of the record set during the Boxing Day floods in 2015.

More than 100 flood alerts and warnings have been issued across the UK with residents in 32 areas urged to 'act now! Six of the flood warnings affect areas in and around Greater Manchester, including Horwich, Radcliffe and Ramsbottom, as well as some in Lancashire.

Events have been cancelled across the region, including Christmas lights switch-ons in Romiley and Alderley Edge, while Shaw and Crompton's was forced to move inside. The Trafford Centre's Tinsel Town Fairground and Tatton Park's Yuletide event were also closed.