Updated: Heavy rain challenges for motorists and ducks

ORGANISERS have been forced to pull the plug on two community events after conditions were deemed too wet for ducks – and motorists have been battling challenging conditions of their own this morning.

Kimberley Unsworth's photograph of a waterlogged Sandon Road

Surface flooding has affected roads across Staffordshire. In Stafford Borough issues were reported at the A34 at Tittensor between Tittensor Road and Winghouse Lane before 8am and at Stafford’s Lichfield Road, while driving rain created poor visibility for motorists on the M6.

At Greyfriars drivers faced gridlock after temporary traffic lights failed shortly before 8am. But a Staffordshire County Council spokesman said contractors were attending to fix the lights at 10am, and the permanent lights would soon be up and running once more – weather permitting.

Duck races were due to be held tomorrow at Stafford’s Mill Bank and Stone’s Westbridge Park. But Mill Bank event organiser Rotary Club of Stafford Knot and Westbridge Park event organiser Stone Lions have both announced their races would be postponed because the waters were too deep. Both will be rescheduled to a later date, but a Lions’ fun day also planned for Westbridge Park tomorrow has been cancelled.

A medium risk flood warning is in place across the county and Staffordshire County Council’s highways teams have been out clearing gullies.

Staffordshire’s highways leader Mike Maryon said: “Heavy rain is forecast throughout the day and we expect there will be localised flooding in many parts of the county.

“We are already experiencing surface flooding on our roads and so I would again appeal to drive with extra care.  

“Our contact centre is experiencing the expected rise in calls. When rain has eventually stopped water will remain standing in the roads for a while.  

“I’d like to thank people for their understanding while we work to keep roads as clear as possible in difficult conditions. People can alert us to problems in their area by calling the main county council number 0300 111 8000.”