RESIDENTS have been urged to flee homes on the edge of a riverbank as heavy flooding caused by Storm Christoph prompted fears of a landslide.

One property was pictured dangling perilously close to exposed land on the banks of the River Colne in Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire following torrential rainfall.

⚡ Read our UK weather live blog for the very latest news and forecasts.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Manchester Road in Slaithwaite just after 6pm on Wednesday as the region was battered by heavy rainfall.

YorkshireLive reports that fire crews advised the residents of one house to evacuate as a precaution amid fears of a landslip. 

The property, which is believed to be unoccupied, had been listed for sale on Rightmove but the post was removed yesterday.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “One fire engine from Slaithwaite Fire Station attended and investigated the safety of the area and nearby houses.

“Residents in one property near the area were advised to move to an alternative location for the night as a precaution until further investigations could be carried out in daylight.

“Crews and partners have returned again today to assess the area and have now left the scene while the Council continue their work.”

Surveyors from Kirklees Council also returned to assess the site yesterday.

A council spokesperson said: “There does not appear to be any evidence of further land movement, which would suggest an immediate danger to the property, we have spoken to the property and landowners and advised them of their options to fully assess what action may be necessary.”

It comes as Storm Christoph battered the UK with torrential rain this week, as two thousand homes in Didsbury, Greater Manchester, were evacuated amid heavy flooding and residents relocated to nearby leisure centres and hotels.

And the Met Office has warned that weather will turn “more wintry” as the Storm moves eastwards today, with icy conditions set to make recovery from the Storm even more difficult for Brits in flooded areas.

Source: Read Full Article