THE M66 motorway has been shut in both directions after a nearby river burst its banks.

All lanes have been closed northbound and southbound around junction 1 at Ramsbottom as flooding from the swollen river has spread.

The water is spreading from an over flowing culvert near to the road way and is flowing across the carriage way.

A fire service spokesman said that the issue was being made worse by large amounts of debris.

He added: "The motorway will probably be closed for the rest of the day becuase the weather forecast is still looking quite bad."

Highways England has confirmed that officers are on the scene in an attempt to clear water from the carriageway.

Drivers are advised to be patient and seek an alternative route.

Highways England tweeted earlier: "#m66 #j1 southbound. #trafficofficers have traffic stopped on the main carriageway and #j1 entry slip for flooding. Please be patient while the #trafficofficers try to clear the carriageway."

It then added: "Full closure of both carriageways is now under way as the flooding from the river bursting its banks is spreading. Please find alternate route if driving on the #m66."

The closure is also affecting public transport in the borough, bus operators say.

Rosso, which runs services throughout Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire and Greater Manchester; tweeted: "We have just been informed that the M66 has now been fully closed in both directions this is now having a major impact on the local network.

"We apologise for this but will continue to work hard to get you to your destination."

Elswhere in the borough Metrolink services are affected on the Bury line due to a non-weather related issue.

No services are crrently running between Queens Road and Bury following a "medical emergency".

Manchester Metrolink tweeted: "Due to a medical emergency on the Bury line, there are currently no services operating between Queens Road and Bury. Customers can use their tickets on the 59, 97, 98, 135 and 524 buses. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause."

More to follow...