ELSECAR Park looked more like its neighbouring reservoir than a country garden after torrential rain left it submerged in over five foot of water.

Residents were shocked by the volume of water pouring from the river onto Wentworth Road and into the park last Friday morning.

Neville Fearon, 66, of Southlea Avenue, Hoyland, was out walking his two dogs.

He said: “I couldn't believe my eyes. The park was completely submerged in water.

“The water must have been five feet deep in the park as it was coming up over the wall and was up to the band stand.”

Neville was concerned for the safety of drivers intent on getting through the flooded stretch of road. He said: “As an ex-fireman I am used to seeing dangerous situations and the thought of what could happen terrified me.

“The water was swilling big stones from the wall and into the road and I thought it could come down at any point.”

John Willis, 45, of Wilkinson Road, Elsecar, helped other bystanders divert the traffic.

He said: “It was very dangerous as there was so much weight behind it. If it had come down it could have easily swept a small car away.”

Vice-chairman of Forge Community Partnership Robin Franklin was relieved the damage was limited. He said: “In my 57 years here I have never seen anything like it. If this is global warming then we are going to have to do something about it.

“Thankfully there wasn't much damage. We have got away very lightly compared to other areas.”