Residents are being warned to avoid woodland in Bury after a landslip has seen the release of raw sewage.  

Prestwich Clough, near Clough Drive and Mountside Crescent, saw the landslide this evening, with local councillors believing a sewer to have also collapsed.

United Utilities and Bury Council worked together to isolate the incident, but residents were warned to stay away from the area and keep dogs on leads due to raw sewage.

Footpaths have been closed and tankers were deployed to reduce the flow of sewage into the damaged sewer. 

The Environment Agency are also on scene and assessing the situation. 

Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations on Bury Council who also represents the Prestwich area, said: "Please can you stay away from the Prestwich Clough area near Clough Drive/Mountfield Crescent for the near future due to a landslip.

"Keep dogs on leads due to the presence of raw sewage in the stream. Bury Council and United Utilities are working together to resolve it."

Cllr Sean Thorpe of St Mary's said: "A landslip and sewer collapse has occurred in Prestwich Clough.

"United Utilities and Bury Council are working together to isolate and rectify the issue but please ensure you avoid the vicinity and keep dogs on leads for the time being."

He later added: "United Utilities teams are on site assessing damage. Footpath closures in place to isolate area.

"Tankers are deployed on Bury New Road/Rectory Lane/Ruskin Road to reduce flows into damaged sewer. Environmental agency engaged."

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency North West said: "We are currently investigating a potential pollution incident at Prestwich Clough in Bury, where it appears heavy rainfall has caused a landslide and damaged a sewer.

"We are on site assessing the situation to ensure we continue to protect the environment."

A spokesperson from Bury Council said: "Prestwich Clough near Clough Drive and Mountside Crescent: Heavy rainfall has caused a landslip and damaged a sewer and nearby trees. United Utilities are diverting sewage and minimising pollution.

"Council tree team in attendance. Nearby footways are closed-off. Keep dogs on leads and do not enter the water." 

This comes after a sinkhole was opened up on Heywood Road in Prestwich earlier today following the heavy rain this morning. 

The hole opened up late this morning, with similar incidents having happened on the same road previously.