Calls following heavy rain fall

Residents are being advised to take extra care when out and about during the heavy rain that has been forecast.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has already started to receive calls from people who are facing localised flooding.

In the vast majority of cases, advice over the phone has been given to the occupant but fire crews have attended Beresford Street, Wigan, where water has encroached on properties.

Around 14 houses are waist-deep in water and there are two High Volume Pumps being used to clear it.

Station Manager Paul Duggan said: "We have had a number of calls from around 10.15am this morning. Predominantly our action has been to give advice as the situation has not been life threatening and there are other organisations who can assist, like the Highways Agency.

"We have had one call where we have been to inspect a property to see if we can make the area safe but we will only attend when there is life or property at risk, so please only call us if you have a real emergency.

"We are expecting heavy rain over the weekend and we would urge people to take extra care if they are going out anywhere - allow extra time for your journey and if you are driving increase your braking distance.

"And if you do go near ponds, lake and rivers, remember they may well be swollen with the increaseed rainfall, so extra care is needed."

The Environment Agency has asked residents in Greater Manchester to remain vigilant and prepare for flooding, after the Met Office warned of very heavy rain.

Full detail about the situation and what action could be taken by individuals to protect themselves and their homes can be found at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk