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Several parts of Horwich were flooded on Boxing Day. Within the reserve, Pearl Brook burst its banks as the water pouring down Foxholes and Factory Hill added their burden to the already swelling waters. Water was also pouring down from the fields at the back of Bridge St. It was too much for the brook to cope with as it rushed over the little bridge and dislodged some of the stepping stones. As it left the reserve it spilled over onto the paths and reached levels of around 5-6ft as it powered around the back of the old bleachworks and there travelled underneath the road to emerge onto Station Park where the waters flowed from the brook and down through the park and onto Winter Hey Lane, which was also left under water. It was clear that there would be damage, but just how much damage was only apparent after the waters subsided.
Boxing Day
To see and hear footage of the flooding click here
The following day confirmed fears that parts of pathways had been washed away and most of the small stones and silt from the bottom of the brook had been washed ashore leaving the bottom of the brook full of large bricks and stones. Much of the planting carried out last spring will have been covered by rubble or washed away.
