Iceland and Home Bargains stores were left submerged after horrific flooding in Wigan. Pictures taken on New Year’s Day show how roads and car parks turned into lakes of murky water after the torrential rain on New Year’s Eve.
Fire engines were seen lining Templeton Road in Platt Bridge on Wednesday (January 1) following the flooding incident. People were rescued from their homes nearby as roads were left completely submerged.
Pictures shared on social media also showed the inside of the supermarket completely flooded following unprecedented rain. Local MP urged people to avoid the area and follow the advice and ‘full cooperate’ with emergency services who were called out to rescue those trapped in their homes.
Roads were left completely submerged in Platt Bridge
(Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)
The car park and front of the Iceland and Home Bargains store was completely under water, with flood water also rising near to the shop fronts along nearby Walthew Lane.
The Iceland car park became flooded
(Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)
Other pictures show people wading through the flooded streets as fire crews continued to coordinate their response and cars floating in the water.
Posts from residents were shared across social media, as one person wrote: “Avoid coming through Platt Bridge at all cost!” Another said: “Omg can’t believe how bad it is in Platt Bridge. I’ve never seen it be so bad.”
The Iceland and Home Bargains store has been flooded
(Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)
Councillor Danny Fletcher posted on Facebook: “I’ve been out with some of our flood response officers today, and I’m aware of the areas in Ashton….and neighbouring towns like Platt Bridge, that are seriously affected by the flooding.
A woman seen wading through flood water in Platt Bridge
(Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)
“In terms of any medium/long term solution, I’ve requested council planners get their heads together, with all necessary services like United Utilities, and get back to me with their thoughts
“Devastating for those waking up New Year’s Day to this …and I’ll do all can to support.”
Electricity North West announced that those left without power in the WN4 postcode areas could head to The Coffee Shop on Garswood Street in Ashton-in-Makerfield for hot drinks and food amid the chaos.
Roads were left completely submerged following the New Year’s Eve flooding
(Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)
A major incident was declared on Wednesday, as emergency services were bombarded with calls about threats to life, stranded vehicles and damaged properties.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP), co-ordinating the response with the fire service, said that said that Bolton, Didsbury, Harpurhey, Stalybridge, Stockport and Wigan were the areas which had seen the greatest impact.