Third rescue this year at flood blackspot (From St Helens Star)

Third rescue this year at Peasley Cross flood blackspot

7:05pm Tuesday 18th December 2012 in News

A MAN became the third motorist to be rescued by firefighters this year at a notorious flood spot beneath a bridge.

As rain battered the town on Monday (December 17), flood waters rose again quickly on Peasley Cross Lane.

Firefighters were called at about 5.38pm after a 44-year-old driver became stuck as he attempted to travel through deep water.

Watch manager Mike Costello from St Helens Community Fire Station explained: “The water was about two and a half to three feet deep and was up to about door level on the car.

“The car was in a section of the road that dips under the bridge. Because this section of the road dips, it appears to be flat. Four firefighters in water rescue suits pushed the car out.

“Road users should drive to the conditions and we also advise drivers not to enter flood water as you do not know the depth of it.”

The man was unharmed as he was brought to safety.

It is an all too familiar pattern on a stretch of road that has claimed unsuspecting motorists for 50 years.

In September an 70-year-old man and 60-year-old woman had to pushed to safety after their car cut out in 3ft of water.

And in August teaching assistant Joanne McKenna had to be rescued after she too misjudged the depth of the water and was left stranded, with water lapping at her car windows. The car, a Citroen, was a write off.