Star date: 26th December 2016

BEFORE THE SALFORD FLOOD

One year on from the flood that hit Salford on Boxing Day last year, here the Salford Star presents a little exhibition of largely unpublished photos taken before the River Irwell burst its banks in Lower Broughton.

In the morning the mood was almost holiday-like as residents came out to see the rising waters. By mid-afternoon it was a darker story...

Full details here...

Boxing Day 2015, and word spread that the River Irwell was rising fast and might burst its banks. Down by the bridge near the old Cussons factory on Littleton Road, the water was only a few feet away from the top of the arches, while below, the swollen river tossed huge logs and even fridges along its rolling current.

Further up Littleton Road, at the top of South Radford Street in Lower Kersal, people were gathering on the Irwell's banks, the scene of the last flood, trying to gauge what the water had in store this time. And the bridge by the Racecourse pub became a stopping point for cars as people peered over, viewing the raging torrent that had already engulfed the weir.

Along the banks, people were walking dogs and taking photos and the talk was all of the Irwell, that no-one had ever seen it so high...

The Castle Irwell bridge on Cromwell Road was another stopping point for cars. Here the water had already met the top of the bridge and was cascading around the iron structure without quite going over into the road.

Down by The Lowry Hotel, the pedestrian areas were flooded, with only the top of a signpost visible, pointing the way Venice-style to tourist destinations    

By Mocha Parade in Lower Broughton, the water met the top of the green Great Clowes Street bridge, and all the bridges along that stretch. The walkway was already flooded but the top of the banks could still be seen. On the raging Irwell, ducks remained serene on their own roller coaster, while the white houses on Riverside provided the backdrop to a once-in-a-lifetime view. It was about 1pm and no-one really thought the River could or would get any higher.

On Spike Island, the streets were already deep in water, as the Irwell rose out of the drains and people watched the stagnant mini-flood lap their doorsteps. There were no warnings coming from anywhere and, while people were concerned, no-one was prepared for the next few hours...

For an update on the flood defences and flood response see previous Salford Star article: No Flood Barriers to be Sited in Lower Broughton – click here

To read Salford Star flood reports from the time see previous Salford star articles - Salford Floods as River Irwell Rises - click here – Salford Flood Devastates Lower Broughton - click here