HOMES in Ellesmere Port have been flooded following persistent torrential rainfall today (Monday) across the region.
Six houses in Marchweil Close, off Cambridge Road, are under water, while in Great Sutton, 52 homes are at risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency.
As of 5pm today, water had reached the gardens of several properties in Ascot Drive, but had not affected the properties themselves.
Across west Cheshire, Cheshire West and Chester Council, the Environment Agency and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have all been working hard to tackle the 24-hour deluge, where more than three inches of rain – 100mm – have fallen.
A property in Ainsworth Lane, Crowton, has been flooded, while in Stoak a man had to be rescued from the rooftop of his car and in Guilden Sutton, a woman had to be freed from her stranded vehicle.
There are many roads closed across the borough because of flooding. Those affected include Sycamore Drive, Lache, the A483 around Chester Business Park, Lache Lane, School Lane in Guilden Sutton, Parkgate Road in Blacon and Tarvin Road in Hoole, where the slip road has been closed at the junction.
Motorways have largely kept clear of flooding issues, but the A55 westbound slip road to the A51 Littleton junction has been closed due to a landslip.
Highways officers have received dozens of calls for help from residents across the borough and, together with Streetscene staff, have been giving sandbags to households and businesses in danger of imminent flooding.
The council is making sure that gullies are emptied into the night and teams are working out of hours to make sure problem areas are dealt with as soon as possible.
Emergency plans have been activated to ensure that help can be provided over the next 24 hours as wind speeds increase.
Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for community and environment, said: “Weather-related issues are being received across the Borough with priority given to those with flooded homes.
“Our highways service has received more than 150 calls with 20 homes flooded and a further 52 at risk.
“Emergency centres are on standby should they be needed. In addition to the rain, gale force winds have been forecast this evening and tree removal gangs are on standby.
“This influx of flooding enquiries is expected to last for a few days – please could we ask that you are patient with us and keep reporting any flooding problems.”
Residents are being urged to use the highway fault reporting website at maps.cheshire.gov.uk/cheshirecc.interactivemapping.web.internet, then click on the highway fault tab, to help the council to provide a more effective service.
