Flats evacuated and emergency refuge centre set up after devastating flooding in Stockport

Flats have been evacuated and an emergency refuge centre set up after flooding in Stockport. The car park and ground floor at Meadow Mill building became completely submerged following the biblical rainfall on New Year's Eve.

About 200 residents became 'stranded' in their properties after heavy rain saw an adjacent river burst its banks and flood the entire ground floor and car park.

Firefighters, paramedics and police were called to the incident. The drama started shortly after the New Year when some residents were awoken by water coming through their ceiling. The River Tame burst its banks.

Emergency services declared a major incident and warned not to travel unless necessary, as an estimated 200 residents remained 'stranded' at Meadow Mill in Stockport town centre throughout the morning.

Pictures and video from the scene showed the car park flooded with many cars completely submerged. Firefighters, including a water rescue unit, were at the scene.

Councillor Christine Carrigan said that electricity and water had been cut off and that residents were being evacuated. An emergency refuge centre was set up at the Houldsworth Village Life Leisure centre in Reddish.

Coun Christine Carrigan said: "The river burst it’s banks last night and many places in the ward are now under water. The main incident is now Meadow Mill, next to the Tesco at Portwood Roundabout.

"The car park for the Mill is underwater. There are 213 properties but fortunately none on the ground floor. GMP, fire and our Forward Incident officer are on the scene and been in touch with residents. There is no electricity or water (Clean/Fresh) so the residents will be evacuated. There is an emergency rest centre in Houldsworth Village Life leisure for anyone