RESIDENTS in a flood-hit area are bracing themselves for the prospect of another deluge.

People living in the Prestolee area are nervously watching the River Irwell after the Environment Agency issued a flood alert for the area.

However, the government body has stated that no properties are expected to be flooded at this stage.

An update on the Environment Agency website, referring to the Lower River Irwell catchment area states: "We are currently not anticipating any flooding to property. We will continue to monitor and will update this message as the situation develops.

"We are out clearing debris screens to minimise potential blockages and flow restriction.

"Further rain is forecast although this is not expected to result in any flooding to property."

The level of the river in the area does appear to be dropping however, having decreased from 3.55 metres this morning to 2.48 metres this afternoon.

Areas of Prestolee — specifically Riverside Drive — were badly hit by flooding in December after the Irwell burst its banks and residents living there are praying that their properties will not be affected again.

Riverside resident Karen Smith has still not returned to her house following the December deluge.

She said: "Obviously people are stressed to hear that the river levels have risen, but they have dropped again and we are hopeful that we will be ok.

"The community is still hurting after what happened in December but we have to carry on with our daily lives and stay positive.

"If the worst happens then I'm sure the community will rally round to help each other again."