A WOMAN had to be rescued from her car after it got swamped by floodwater yesterday.

Firefighters used a boat and ladder to haul the driver out through a window as severe floods hit several parts of the borough.

The female driver, thought be in her mid-30s, got into difficulties in the black Peugeot 206 as it tried to make its way along Bye Road, off Manchester Road, in Ramsbottom.

The incident happened at about 7.30am, after which Bye Road was closed, while a recovery unit removed the car and emergency services redirected traffic.

The Environment Agency have issued a number of flood warnings across the borough and urged the public to expect heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.

By lunchtime, more than 30 flood warnings had been issued for the North West region, with Ramsbottom and Walmersley being particularly badly affected.

James Magnall, from Fishermans’ Retreat Restaurant, said flooding in Bye Road was on ongoing problem.

He said: “Everytime we have heavy rain, water blocks up the road. We tried to tell Bury Council that the culvert needed fixing 10 years ago.

“The water is ripping up tarmac in the road and causing a big mess for people who live up here. It is a big hassle.”

A severe flood warning has been issued for the Edenfield and Stubbins areas of the River Irwell, where areas at risk include Strongstry, Chatterton, North Street, Strongstry Bridge, Chatterton Road, Bolton Road North, and the Cuba Industrial Estate. Weather warnings were also issued for areas of Radcliffe and Whitefield.

Elsewhere, on Manchester Road, Bury, residents were stranded when floodwater more than 3ft deep poured into a cottage near to Park Farm Tea Rooms.

Firefighters making their back from Bye Road, spent three hours pumping out rising sewage water flooding the ground floor after they spotted a woman shouting for help from an upstairs bedroom.

Parents taking their children to school at Holly Mount Primary School in Greenmount were caught in traffic chaos and many were turned away after Hollymount Lane became waterlogged.

Deputy headteacher, Eleanor England, said: “It does flood regularly but I have been here 12 years and never seen it this bad. The school will remain open but most parents are choosing to take their children home.”

Floodwater rose to more than one foot at the junction of Chesham Road and Haslam Street, Bury, causing partial closure.

Residents believe a blocked drain significantly increased the level of surface water caused by torrential rain. Bury Council workmen were called out to the scene to alleviate the flooding.

Police have also warned drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads over the next few days.

Inspector Phil Cottam, from Lancashire Constabulary’s Motorway Unit said: “The adverse weather and the downpours make driving conditions very difficult and we would urge people to take extra care.

“Motorists should allow extra time to make their journeys and also check local travel bulletins to see what roads are closed and avoid those particular areas.”

For further information about flood warnings in your area: visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood or call 0845 988 1188.