by Sarah Robinson

Last updated 09:53, Friday, 10 October 2008

WEST Cumbria has been hit by overnight flooding which has put Whitehaven’s football and rugby grounds under inches of water.

Whitehaven Rugby League's Recreation Ground underwater on Friday morning

There has been overnight flooding in most of the west of the county, including Whitehaven, Egremont, Bigrigg. Police and fire crews have been working round the clock to ensure the roads are safe.

Whitehaven RL's Recreation Ground and Whitehaven AFC's County Ground were both under inches of water this morning (Friday).

Police are advising motorists to avoid the following roads after heavy rainfall overnight caused flooding in the west and south of the county.

The A596 in Maryport at Netherhall corner and Birkby.
Scaw Rd in Harrington.
Parts of the A5086 between Cockermouth and Egremont,
particularly north of the bridge at Parkside Rd.
Coach Rd in Whitehaven.
St Bees Rd in Egremont.
Parts of the Gosforth to Seascale road.
The A591 at Thirlmere. 
 
Two flood warnings have been issued by the Environment Agency - one at the bottom end of Egremont and one at Keswick Campsite. 

Police would urge motorists to allow extra time for their journey, slow down and take extra care on the roads. 

A fire officer from Whitehaven station said: “Unfortunately there’s not much more we can do, we just need to wait for the water to subside.”