Homes flooded as river burst its banks at Lymm

The Bollin in full flood

SEVEN or eight homes were flooded at Lymm early today when the River Bollin burst its banks.
Householders received a flood warning call from the Environment Agency at around 5am – but looked out of the window and saw the floodwater had already arrived.
Local councillor Kath Buckley, who was quickly on the scene, said: “It is horrific. I have never seen flooding like this in 30 years.
“The Bollin doesn’t look like a river – it looks like a lake. It looks like Lake Coniston!
The flooded homes are in Reddish Lane, Heatley but there is also flooding near the Green Dragon pub.
Cllr Buckley said Warrington Borough Council had reacted quickly. They were at the scene by 6am with sandbags. But they were still too late.
“Everybody seems to have been caught napping by this – the Environment Agency, the council and, unfortunately, the residents.
“Apparently the problem started in the Manchester area, or at Macclesfield, and has come down the river, which just couldn’t cope and burst its banks.
“Council staff are remaining at the scene, offering comfort and what help can be offered, to the residents. United Utilities are also here.
“I don’t think anybody could have done more – the council were here as soon as possible.”
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said river levels generally had peaked at about 12 noon and were slowly dropping.
“However river levels remain high within the River Bollin. Further rainfall is forecast for t his afternoon. It is possible that levels could rise again in response to this
“We are closely monitoring the situation.
“Please avoid contact with flood water and plan driving routes to avoid low-lying roads near rivers which may be flooded.”