MAJOR flooding problems are being reported in parts of Bolton following heavy rains.

Fire chiefs are advising people to steer clear of the Chorley New Road area of Horwich following the downpours.

And staff at St Joseph's RC High are already reporting flooding affecting buildings at their Chorley New Road site.

School leaders have already confirmed St Joseph's will be shut tomorrow, Monday.

A school spokesman said: "Following the heavy rain and severe flooding on Chorley New Road our school site, main school corridor, kitchen, hall, ground floor classrooms and offices are currently 30cm under water.

"School will therefore be closed to students on Monday 17th May (in the first instance) while we assess and repair the damage.

"Staff were on site checking the school was safe when the torrential flood waters came down the drive. There was little that they could do to limit the damage.

"We are fortunate that RM unify and TEAMS are hosted off site so online learning will resume."

School officials praised site staff for tackling the problem so swiftly.

The spokesman added: "As many lessons as possible will be live streamed, but please be patient as this depends on resources available for staff.

"We are unsure if any part of our building will be safe for students tomorrow."

Parents are being advised to e-mail the school if they are unable to make arrangements for their sons or daughters.

"We are thankful to site staff for being on site so quickly and the emergency services who are in the area ensuring that the neighbourhood is safe.

"Please remember those whose homes have been damaged in your prayers," added the spokesman.

A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Our crews are currently responding to numerous reports of flooding in the Chorley New Road area of Horwich, Bolton🚨

"We’re working with Bolton Council and police to tackle it and keep residents safe. Please stay away from the area."