POLICE underwater search teams were called into Chorley town centre as flash floods caused chaos.

A police spokesman said water reached 20 feet in Water Street, Chorley, yesterday afternoon and ten feet deep in other areas after the storm began at 2pm.

A spokesman for the fire service said they received more than 250 calls about flooding in Chorley, Astley Village, Whittle-le-Woods and Clayton-le-Woods up to 15 feet deep.

He said: "The downpour caused flash floods which led to swollen watercourses throughout the area."

The town centre was covered by two to three feet of water which lifted manhole covers and swept away paving slabs laid for Chorley Borough Council's pedestrianisation scheme.

Rossendale Mountain Rescue Team were called to help police and firebrigades from all over Lancashire.

The Royal Lancashire Show, at Astley Park, Chorley, was brought to an early close by the thunderstorm which started at 2pm.

A police spokesman said several roads were blocked until 5pm by show visitors trying to leave during the rain.

A spokesman for Chorley Council said the intense storm had caused severe problems with the sewerage network underneath the streets of the town.

He added: "To say we have big problems would be something of an understatement. We have problems with around two hundred business and private properties and we are trying our best to help everyone."

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