THE Great Flood of 1946 saw water levels rise more than five feet above last year's levels in Northwich, it has been revealed.

Figures compiled by the Environment Agency have shown a massive difference in the water levels recorded when the rivers Weaver and Dane burst their banks in October and November 2000, compared with events more than 50 years ago which saw parts of the town deluged under six feet of water.

And county councillor Andrew Needham, who is on the North West Flood Defence Committee, believes the statistics prove there will be no repeat of the 1946 disaster.

"The statistics show that although the rain which fell last year was the worst we have had for many years, it still fell short of the 1946 flood," he said.

"It also proves my initial opinion that the chances of it happening again are extremely remote and, in any case, will never get as bad as it did all those years ago."

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused when Dane Street, Watling Street, The Bull Ring and part of the High Street were hit by up to two feet of water during two floods in the same week last year.

But 54 years ago the floods also gripped the countryside surrounding the town and engulfed the Bull Ring, flowing almost to the bottom of Castle Hill and Winnington Hill.

Clr Needham added that the difference in flood levels was a result of the introduction of computerised sluice gates, which are able to keep the town centre safe from extreme danger.