RESIDENTS were warned to stay indoors as parts of a town were hit by flash floods.

Police told people not to venture into areas of Hebden Bridge, in the Calder Valley as heavy rainfall had made them "impassable".

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said yesterday afternoon: "Heavy rainfall has led to flooding in the area and has made Hebden Bridge impassable by car.

"People are asked to avoid trying to drive into the area at this time because they risk becoming stranded in their vehicle.

"Also, they may force water into businesses and homes which are on the roadside."

The police spokeswoman said those living in Hebden Bridge were advised to stay indoors and go upstairs if possible and should not venture out into the floodwaters.

"Emergency services are working as usual, but we would ask, as always, that you only contact us in an emergency."

Some main routes were affected after the deluge yesterday afternoon caused flash flooding in New Road, Albert Street and Burnley Road in nearby Todmorden.

It comes as residents continue to clear up from last month’s floods, which affected more than 500 homes and businesses in Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Mytholmroyd.

Last week, the Prince of Wales visited Hebden Bridge to witness the aftermath and speak to businesses which were trying to get back on their feet after a month’s rain fell in 24 hours.

West Yorkshire Fire Brigade said two fire engines were at Burnley Road in Mytholmroyd and pumped out the cellars of a mill.

Calderdale Council said Hebden Bridge library had to be evacuated, a number of roads were cordoned off and sandbags were stacked in flooding blackspots.

A spokesman said: "A very heavy cloudburst above the hillside on Keighley Road has resulted in a large volume of surface water overwhelming drainage systems in Hebden Bridge.

"There is heavy localised flooding in the town. The library has been closed and evacuated. Police have closed Burnley Road between Mytholmroyd and Todmorden and are advising that people avoid travelling in the area.

"There are also localised reports of flooding in Mytholmroyd. Police have closed New Road."

Council engineers were at the scene with the police and the Environment Agency, the spokesman added, and some public transport routes have been affected.

There were reports of platform closures at Hebden Bridge station and severe disruption to bus services.

Water was said to be more than a foot deep in places.

People requiring information and assistance can contact the Calderdale Council contact centre on 0845 245 7000.

The council said it expects the floodwaters to subside quickly.

Around Huddersfield, roads in the Outlane, Lindley and Salendine Nook areas were badly hit by flooding.

The A62 Cooper Bridge Road at Cooper Bridge was also flooded causing long tailbacks towards Mirfield.