Star date: 26th December 2015

SPIKE ISLAND FLOODS AS SALFORD ON HIGH ALERT

Spike Island in Lower Broughton was flooded this afternoon as water covered the streets and reached people's front doors. Elsewhere the River Irwell was almost breaking its banks with water cascading feet from the top of bridges and defence walls.

Salford remains on high alert as Environment Agency flood warnings cover virtually all of the Irwell areas in the city.

More details and photos click here...

Hundreds of people lined the banks of the River Irwell today watching the water levels rise to almost bursting point as bridges and houses were feet from flooding.

On Littleton Road in Lower Kersal, the Irwell's weir was totally covered as the river turned into a fast flowing, rolling current carrying whole trees, fridges and tyres along its path. On the corner of Agecroft Road and Littleton Road, it was a similar story as cars parked up to watch the arches of the bridge almost disappear under the deluge of water. Footpaths along the Irwell in Lower Kersal were also flooded, with the water mere feet from cascading into houses on Rushley Avenue.

On Spike Island in Lower Broughton the Irwell just about stayed within its defences, but the streets were flooded with water that came up through the drains. Households looked on anxiously as water streamed down streets and into paths, inches away from their front doors. Meanwhile, cars waded through the flooded Lower Broughton Road and streets around Spike Island.

On both Cromwell Road and Great Clowes Street there was no gap between bridge and river, so high was the water; while walkways by the side of the Irwell were flooded, as was the public space at the back of the Lowry Hotel. No-one the Salford Star spoke to could remember the Irwell rising so high in recent memory.

Tonight the Environment Agency has flood warnings in operation for all areas around the banks of the River Irwell in Salford.

The Agency has a Floodline on 0345 988 1188 - select option 1 and enter Quickdial number 022322211 to get more information. Also see the Environment Agency website with more information on the Irwell – click here

Main photo shows Spike Island under water

Update: 10am 27th December - click here

See also Salford floods clear up begins amidst recriminations - click here

*Salford Flood Support By The Community, For The Community – click here

* When The Going Gets Tough, Salford Gets Going... - click here

* Salford Council offers £500 to flood victims - click here