FLOOD fears are rising in Northwich town centre along with the river levels.

As the Guardian went to press yesterday, Tuesday, the fast-flowing River Dane was almost touching Dane Bridge and was causing whirlpools where it meets the River Weaver.

Temples Letting Agents, which is based in the Bull Ring and backs on to the confluence of the rivers, said they had been put on a floot alert at 2am yesterday.

Nicola Buckley, lettings manager, said: “We’re just wondering if we should park in the car park – you can see where the river has already broken its banks.

“We’ll have to bring our wellies into work.”

Helen Briggs, lettings negotiator, said: “I’ve never seen the river flow so fast.

“Weather-wise it’s meant to be like this until Thursday.”

Staff at the neighbouring Northwich Fireplace Centre were also worried.

Phil Manning, who has worked there for seven years, said: “I’ve never seen the rivers this high or known the rain to be this torrential for so long.

“It’s a real concern.”

The Environment Agency had issued a flood alert for the Weaver catchment area, including Northwich, as the Guardian went to press, although there were no warnings in place for the River Dane or the Weaver at either Northwich Marina or Weaver Way.

Roads were flooded in Great Budworth on Monday and in Gorstage because of the heavy rainfall, with readers also reporting flooded roads and the River Weaver bursting its banks near Norley.