Monsoon-like weather lifts manholes covers

As rain battered the area on Saturday night after a so-called ‘Spanish Plume’ weather condition hit, fire crews responded to a flurry of calls in both Morecambe and Heysham.

Some properties suffered flooding and residents were given advice and reassurance about the effect on electrics.

Crews were called to properties including Parliament Street, Morecambe; Fairfield Road, Heysham; Albert Road, Morecambe; Oxcliffe Grove, Heysham; Westborough Close, Heysham; Heysham Road, Heysham; and Westminster Road, Morecambe.

A county council spokesman said: The main reports of flooding were around the Heysham area with the worst affected roads being off Westminster Road and Fairfield road.

“A number of calls were received from the police who were attending incidents.

“The local road drains and manholes were unable to take the overload of water, which physically lifted off three manhole covers in that area.

“These were reported to LCC Highways who attended and barriered off or replaced lids where possible.

“LCC were able to help by giving some sand bags out to help some affected properties and the LCC gully wagons attended to help the clean upThe fire service were also in attendance.

“There were also wind related issues with a tree down on the B6254 just outside the village of Arkholme which partially blocked the road needing a road closure. This was removed yesterday.”