Rochdale council have taken the unusual step of issuing a plea for help from residents, especially those further out of town to leave their taps on over night to help lower the risk of flooding in the town centre.

The theory is that having taps running takes water which potentially could cause flooding out of the water table and into the sewerage system.

Alan Jennings from North West Water said; 

“We’ve come a long way since the days of hosepipe bans, waste as much water as you can, it will really help”

The council have advised anyone not on a water meter to try and keep taps running for at least 12 hours but more if they can, also make sure you have your kitchen and bathroom taps on.

We will be keeping you updated on how far submerged number one riverside is throughout the night.