Clean-up continues in Ramsbottom as town recovers from Storm Bert

Clean-up operations are underway in Ramsbottom after the town was hit with heavy rain and flooding over the weekend.

The most affected areas were those lining the River Irwell, which burst its banks on Saturday (November 23) after Storm Bert brought a downpour to the region.

But this was also accompanied by milder temperatures, causing snow and frost to rapidly thaw which added to the groundwater.

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The M.E.N previously reported that a flood warning was issued north of Ramsbottom at around midday on Saturday with residents urged to 'act now' as the river level rose above 2 metres.

One of the hardest-hit areas was North Street in Strongstry Bridge, a row of sandstone Victorian cottages looking over a brick wall onto a bend in the Irwell. Neighbours said the river burst its banks on Saturday afternoon and flooded all but the last three houses on the street.

The Irwell was much lower today but still fast-flowing, and the adjoining road strewn with mud, leaves and debris. Front gardens down the street were piled with ripped-up carpet, floorboards, curtains and even sodden sofas caught in the deluge.

Resident Alan Jones was hosing down the pavement outside his house with a jet washer, while a few houses down the sounds of hammering and banging could be heard as neighbours ripped up floorboards and carpet.

"The river was ridiculously high," Alan told the M.E.N. "It was about a foot away from coming over the wall. And it came through right quick."

Alan said he had known about the flood warning already - but then "quite suddenly" it turned to red. "Then within thirty minutes, it was flooding up the street."

The 69-year-old has lived in this street since