THE widespread flooding has been declared an emergency by Barnsley Council which has set up a control room to co-ordinate its efforts.
Head of communications Bob Williams said the 'silver control room' had been set up because the extent of the problems was unprecedented.
He said: "There is an unprecedented demand for support and assistance. All council services are working as hard as they can. The control room is receiving a great many incident calls.
"The flooding this time is borough-wide. Road conditions are poor and heavily congested the advice is not to go out unless you have to."
Mr Williams said the rain was expected to continue over night and the situation was likely to get worse. Some council workers would be moved from the normal duties to help with the flood effort.
"We are asking people to be vigilant and to check on neighbours who may be vulnerable, " he added.
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