Drivers caught in flood rescued

FIREFIGHTERS from Chadderton were called to rescue people from their cars after a road in Middleton flooded.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were called to Manchester Old Road at around 1am on Sunday as flooding affected the electrics in three cars, with firefighters carrying an elderly man and woman to safety.

A crew returned to the area at 7am after another vehicle was stranded and needed the assistance of the fire service’s boat team to push it so the driver could reach safety.

A boat team was also sent to Egremont, Cumbria, where the Environment Agency had issued a severe flood warning due to the possibility of danger to life.

Group manager Dean Nankivell said: “We have had a large amount of rainfall and we would encourage people to think about taking simple steps to keep themselves and their family safe.

“Don’t make unnecessary journeys and if you do have to drive, take extra care on the road and don’t attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of the depth.”

Roads in Saddleworth were also flooded yesterday following the heavy rain.

Oldham Road, in Denshaw, and Platting Road, in Lydgate, were both badly affected by the weather, with motorists advised to avoid the routes.