Heavy rain causes chaos to parts of the region

Nov 19 2009 by Lisa Hutchinson, The Journal

Firefighters from Bishop Auckland Fire Station had to use a rescue boat to get to the animals who became stranded at Low Barnes Nature Reserve, in Witton-le-Wear, at around 9.30am

Reserve assistant Emma Pearson, said: “The river rose really quickly and over-flowed its banks, and the ponies became stuck on a little island in the field.

“The water was gushing around them. It was flowing so fast that we couldn’t get to them and had to call the fire brigade, who were able to get to them and herd them onto dry land.”

Then hours later the same fire crew along with colleagues from Stanhope were called to rescue a stranded dog.

The dog had become stuck on an island in the wear at St Anne’s near Woolsingham.

A rive rescue boat was used to bring the dog to safety.

Last night the Environment Agency had flood warnings in place for several rivers in the region, warning of a significant risk of flooding to homes and businesses.

Pace on high alert were the River Wear at Upper Stanhope and Durham City, and Bishop Auckland the Ouse at Naburn Lock, in Newcastle, and parts of the Tyne.

For updates on flood watch alerts call floodline on 0845 988 1188 and enter area number 132205 to get more information.