College closes as flooding causes havoc in the area

River Roch bursts banks at Hopwood Hall College

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Flooding is causing havoc in the area and students have been sent home from Hopwood Hall college due to concerns about the rising level of the River Roch, and the junction of Bury Road/Mellor Street/College Road near Rochdale town centre has been closed.

A spokesman for Hopwood Hall said: "Due to the abnormal weather conditions and its impact on the river Roch it has been decided to close the Rochdale campus from 11.00 on Monday 21 January. All classes (including Monday’s evening classes) are cancelled.

"Tuesday’s Open Evening has also been cancelled.

"The college will be open for classes as usual on Tuesday, but it is envisaged that the main car park will be closed until the river level has receded.

"The Middleton campus will continue to operate as usual."

Trains have been badly affected and problems around Walsden, near Todmorden, have forced train providers to abandon services on the line between Hebden Bridge and Rochdale. A replacement bus service is currently running between Rochdale and Hebden Bridge train stations - and there are resulting delays on routes.

Drivers on the roads also faced problems this morning with surface water and unrelenting rain resulting in delays on the M62 as well as on more minor roads, with the junction at Mellor Street and Bury Road once again competely submerged.

Daryl Thorpe who had to walk through the flooding at the junction to get to work said: "Rochdale Online reported last week when the junction flooded just how often this happens and how badly the businesses at the junction are affected, but today is worse than ever.

"I had to walk through it and according to my trousers and shoes it is at least 24cm deep at some points. It is covering up to the exit for Lords including both sides of the pavement and the whole road and the water stinks of sewage."

Piethorne Brook, Newhey has burst its banks. Councillor Keith Swift said it’s the worst he’s seen it in 30 years.