THE clean-up operation after torrential rainfall caused flooding in Horwich is underway.

A number of schools are closed today after heavy rainfall left many part of the town underwater, with residents battling to empty their houses of water with buckets and mops.

Bolton Council says it is working closely with the emergency services in response to flooding.

Council officers were at the scene from 6pm yesterday, helping Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and other key organisations.

The local authority said it found alternative accommodation was found for those in the worst affected areas and checks were carried out to ensure vulnerable residents in the area were given additional support.

Highways closures were put in place and council teams were deployed to clean gullies and drains to assist with water run-off.

Schools, Chorley New Road Primary, S. Josephs Secondary School and St Mary’s RCP took the decision to close, and the council is in contact to offer any support and assistance if needed.

The council’s Civil Contingencies team is on hand to assist with the clean-up operation from today including removing remaining debris from the highway.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We would like to thank Horwich residents and our partners in the emergency services for their response to yesterday’s flooding.

“Measures were quickly put in place to keep people safe and mitigate the impact of the flooding.

“Our teams remain on hand to offer assistance, thank you for your patience as the clean-up operation is concluded.”