Rossendale businesses flood amid Storm Bert

The heavy rain and thawing snow caused river levels to rise. As a result, roads began to flood with Bacup and Ramsbottom among the worst affected areas.

Many business owners were forced to close their doors and faced a night of agnosing worry to see how the flood water impacted their business.

Andrew Jones only opened Bacup Bargains (The Hub) on Wednesday. The not-for-profit business, which sells new and used goods and reinvests them back into the business, lost around £100 in stock due to flood water.

Andrew said: “We had to close around 12pm because there was no way anyone was getting anyway near us.

Andrew Jones ,founder of Bacup Bargains (The Hub) (Image: Andrew Jones) “We have survived and spent Sunday morning doing a bit of a clean-up.

“We probably lost around £100 in stock with clothes we had to use as sandbags to keep the water out.

“We covered up the electric box which is good because at one point the water was rising to the box.”

Andrew, who lives in nearby Stacksteads, said he has never seen flooding as bad as this.

He said: “I have never seen it this bad. Early Sunday morning [was also] terrible. The roads were still flooded with water and you couldn’t even get to the building. The water doesn’t look very clean.

“We were worried about this all Saturday night.”

The business, which also has a community space called The Hub, aims to help people who feel lonely and want a chat.  It also aims to signpost help for people with financial issues, those struggling with mental health issues and those who are homeless.

Andrew said he aims to be back open on Monday (November 25).

Flooding at Freshair on Burnley Road, Bacup (Image: Charli-Mae Sutcliffe) Charli-Mae Sutcliffe, hair stylist at Freshair in Bacup, said they had to use towels to stop the flood water from entering the salon.

The 22-year-old said: “[The bad weather] started around 12pm and got progressively worse.

“I used towels to put at the back of the door and a man stopped to give me some items to help, including a large piece of wood was used to block the water.

“I imagine the flooring will be damaged. It is the last thing we needed especially with Christmas right around the corner. I’m worried to go back in case the shops a mess and the floor is ruined a week before the Christmas rush starts.”

Paul Sullivan, owner of Paul Sullivan Leather on Market Street, said his shop was not flooded, as it is on an upper floor, but said he has not seen weather like this in his eight years of trading.

He said: “It was snow and ice when I first went to work and then it started raining. It was absolutely tipping down.

“Cars seemed to be struggling on the road.

“When I opened the shop door waves were crashing over the threshold and I had never seen anything like that. Luckily, we are based on the first floor so can operate but accessibility and footfall [was] a a real issue.

“It is an old building and the rain was so heavy that drips of water were coming through the ceiling and windows. It was terrible and awful and just the last thing the town needs. But we will bounce back, we always do.”

Mario's Italian restaurant, on Market Street in Bacup remained open but said the cellar flooded.

The Waterloo bar, on Rochdale Road in Bacup, said it sustained “significant water damage”.

• READ MORE:  Pictures as streets and fields in East Lancashire flood

Posting on Saturday, a spokesperson said: “Due to recent flooding, The Waterloo has sustained significant damage. Sadly we are closed until further notice.

“We are working to assess the damage and repairs we need to make. will keep you updated as we make progress.

“We thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.”

The Duckworth Arms, on Whalley Road in Ramsbottom, was also forced to close on Saturday. It has since reopened.

Bury councillor Gareth Staples-Jones praised efforts from volunteers who helped clear drains. 

He said: "Hoofing effort from volunteers today at Nuttall Park cleared most of the drains and water, lots of mud and silt remain.

"We’ve moved most of the big logs out the way from the paths and playground, and emptied the community base to clean off bits which sadly did get a bit damp!

"The big tree that has fallen on the telephone wire has been scheduled in with the trees team, they’ve already dealt with the most dangerous ones."

Rossendale councillor, Alyson Barnes, said: "The Environment Agency and Lancashire County Council [have been] clearing culverts and gullies today.

"[The council] has an additional road sweeper on hire at the moment for the leaf fall season so we will have two road sweepers and two footpath sweepers out tomorrow.

"They will be focussing on the main areas of the town centre which experienced flooding and main roads in Rawtenstall, Haslingden, Bacup and Whitworth before working outwards to the other areas.

"[Cleaners] will also be out in Bacup, Rawtenstall and Haslingden helping with the cleanup before moving out to the surrounding areas.”