Road closure on Higher Walton Road

Rising river levels on the River Darwen forced Lancashire Police to close the road in Higher Walton.

Higher Walton Road was shut to traffic in both directions for around two hours as the river continues to rise following heavy rain.

Traffic was diverted down Kittlingborne Brow to Bamber Bridge for access.

The road closure began around 2.30pm on Boxing Day.

River Darwen running high in Higher Walton

A flood alert is in place for Higher Walton and Walton-le-Dale, especially the area where the Darwen meets the Ribble.

The Met Office has a red warning of heavy rain in place until 9pm on Boxing Day covering Preston and Lancashire.

Flood warnings are in place from the Environment Agency covering the River Ribble and River Darwen as river levels continue to rise.

The Ribble at Walton-le-Dale reached and passed its highest ever recorded height around lunchtime on Boxing Day.