THE basement at Radcliffe Market was partially flooded following torrential rain at the weekend.

Flood alerts were issued across Radcliffe and Bury in the upper and lower catchment areas near the River Irwell.

The football pitches at Close Park, which are used as floodplain, were waterlogged due to the downpour, and river levels near to Pioneer Mill were as high as 4m on Saturday.

Many people took precautions and moved their belongings to higher ground, while still others were warned that they may be evacuated.

The rising water levels caused concern for many residents, particularly in the Radcliffe and Redvales areas, which were among the worst hit when the Irwell burst its banks on Boxing Day 2015.

Cllr Rhyse Cathcart moved to reassure residents, calling for them to follow the Environment Agency's updates and to work together as a community.

He said: "It was a bit stressful on Saturday. There was some flooding underneath Radcliffe Market and in the basement on Saturday night but we knew how to resolve it. The water drained out within a few hours and it did not stop our event running. It has left a bit of a mess but it is nothing major.

"I moved my own belongings upstairs and spent a lot of the day reassuring other residents.

"The main thing is that we need to trust that the Environment Agency (EA) has a better picture of what is likely to happen.

"We need to listen to their alerts and take precautions. When they release warnings we need to prepare. We need to utilise the forums we have, keep each other updated, and work together as a community."

Three flood alerts were issued by the EA over the weekend, covering the upper and lower catchment areas of the River Irwell, and the River Glaze. These are no longer in force.

The latest update reads: "This flood alert has been removed. River levels on the River Irwell have fallen. We are expecting localised showers through the day, Sunday, March 17, but not expecting any further alerts. We will continue to monitor the forecast and issue updates if necessary. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep up-to-date with the current situation."

EA officers met with members of the Radcliffe and Redvales Flood Action Group last Thursday to provide an update on the flood defence scheme which is due to be built to protect some 870 homes.

Tree felling has already begun in preparation for the first phase of work in Close Park, which is due to commence in May.

The EA also notified residents of the rain that was forecast over the weekend.

Andrew Lee, aged 41 who lives in Blackburn Street, said: "I was put on alert from my housing association that we might be evacuated. It was like 2015 all over again.

"I moved lots of my belongings up high. Thankfully we weren't evacuated but it's scary living next to the river when it's like that."

Dozens of residents expressed concern about the high water levels and several dog walkers posted photos of the river.

One individual posted on the Spotted:Radcliffe Facebook page at 8pm on Saturday: "Just drove past Radcliffe Market, looked over the bridge to see the river and noticed the water was roughly a foot away from the windows of the market basement."

A number of people posted on Spotted:Radcliffe to ask about the water levels and for updates on the river.

Annette O'Donovan wrote: "Ticking time bomb, only last week started work on new flood defences by chopping loads of trees."

Donna Elleray posted: "Certainly wouldn't stand on bridge just in case the river takes bridge with it."

Carol Nicholson wrote: "Levels are dropping now, looks like we've got away with it this time."