Deep impact

Photo: Paul Sterritt

SEVERE torrent . . . the River Tame bursts its banks near Holland Close, Delph.

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STUNNED residents are coming to terms with severe floods which scythed through Saddleworth villages leaving a trail of Boxing Day chaos.

Over two inches of rain fell in a few hours in some areas of Oldham, with rivers and roads struggling to cope with the sudden increase of water. The River Tame, which weaves through the centre of the hillside communities, burst its banks in several places and the resulting torrent ravaged homes and businesses, closed roads and led to the collapse of vital drystone walls.

Parts of Delph, Uppermill, Greenfield and Grotton were badly affected by the rain, with roads to other villages impassable. Platting Road at Scouthead, linking the main Oldham-Huddersfield road to Lydgate, remained closed for much of the day.

The River Tame at Delph burst its banks, reaching as high as a footbridge crossing a stream and coming within inches of windows of properties as well as threatening the safety of the newly-built Delph Surgery. Flood waters closed parts of Delph New Road as residents battled to keep water out of downstairs rooms.

In Grotton, families around Coverhill Road built a sandbag barricade across the entrance to Chimes Court to divert water from their homes. Former rugby league player Ian Sinfield, who lives on the road with his wife and two sons, said: “It’s been unbelievable. When I woke up our garden had already flooded and the rain was still falling. It didn’t take long for the road to be completely underwater. It was about two foot deep, probably more in some parts.”

He added that the community, including Ian’s famous brother Kevin, quickly sprung into action to move water away from homes.

Ian (39) said: “We’ve lived her for nine years and I’ve never seen anything like it. There was a flood around five years ago, but that was nothing compared to this.”

The downpour caused havoc in Uppermill, with widespread flooding. Gardens close to the district town hall and library were left under water.

The road at Well-i-Hole, linking Greenfield to Mossley, was under several feet of water and the receding water revealed that more than 75ft of missing drystone wall. Farmer Nigel Hadfield (58), said ruefully: “The sheer intensity of the rain, flooded river and streams made this the worst flooding I’ve ever seen. Parts of the wall are in a very dangerous condition.”

In Greenfield, cellars at the Clarence pub were flooded for a time but the pub remained open. Landlord Mel Robinson said: “A torrent poured off the moors with feet of water outside the pub, but neighbours and everyone rallied round and helped to clear up.”

Failsworth was also badly affected, with several roads closed or blocked by rising water, including Stannybrook Road, Greenbridge Lane and Daisy Nook Park.

Some roads, including Platting Road, Delph New Road and Mossley Road were temporarily closed on Boxing Day while Stannybrook Road in Woodhouses was the last street to reopen on Sunday.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge thanked all Oldham Council staff, emergency services, public sector workers and the volunteer efforts of local residents for their work over Christmas. “The team worked flat out to continue removing flood residue and cleaning gullies.”