OWNERS of houses at risk from flooding are being urged to sign up for an early warning.

Only eight per cent of households in Ramsbottom signed up to the Environment Agency's flood warning service after 100 properties were contacted at the start of the month.

Households and businesses who request the automated messaging service will be warned, by telephone, as soon as flooding is likely.

The agency wrote to the owners of 100 houses in Crow Lane, Drill Hall, Factory Street, Kenyon Street and St Paul's Street explaining that they fell within the flood warning area.

In June, 60 homes in Irwell Vale were also contacted

Flood warnings are issued free to ensure that family and pets are safe in the event of a flood, and to be best prepared.

A total of 1,037 homes across the north west received test warnings on Monday.