ABOUT 30 sheep have drowned after severe flooding in Bangor-on-Dee.

A huge rescue operation was launched yesterday after a flock of sheep became stranded in a flooded field.

Fire crews, the RSPCA and a vet carried out the recovery operation in the flooded Overton Road area.

A spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews from Deeside and Bangor were mobilised to the incident at 9.10am and deployed water rescue techniques, including using a boat, to transfer sheep to dry land.

“About 60 sheep have been rescued, and between 20 and 30 sheep have drowned or have had to be put down.”

The fire service believe there could be another 100 sheep unaccounted for following the flooding.

Bangor-on-Dee residents said the area where the sheep needed rescuing is outside the village, in the field next to Bangor-on-Dee racecourse.

Jeannie Chantler, course manager at Bangor-on-Dee racecourse, said the flooding was the worst she had seen in her 14 years working at the course.

She said: “A few of us spent much of Sunday at the course, which was completely covered in flooding.

“As things stand our race meeting on Friday is in a lot of doubt but we will have to wait and see how the weather is this week.

“We saw some of the rescue operation with the sheep and the fire service were doing an excellent job, but sadly they could not save many of the sheep.”

In another incident in the Bangor-is-y-Coed area, early morning motorists became stranded as they attempted to navigate their way through heavily flooded roads.

Wrexham Council staff, police and fire crews were called to the B5426 shortly before 6am after two vehicles were trapped, with the occupants having to be helped to safety.

Mark Kassab, of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “If faced with flooding conditions where there is any doubt at all whether you or your vehicle can get through, then it is best not to make any attempt whatsoever.”

At Llangollen the tide was high on the River Dee, with water threatening to flow into the nearby Riverside Park.

A few miles away, on the B4401 near Llandrillo, Corwen, a 58-year-old man’s body was recovered from floodwater.

It followed police receiving a call from a member of the public reporting a vehicle submerged on the B4401.

Ceri Jones, of Environment Agency Wales, said river levels were being closely monitored following the heavy rain.

She added: “People should stay away from rivers and at all times avoid trying to drive or walk through any flooding.”

For the latest situation in your area, call the agency’s floodline on 0845 9881188 or visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

- Fire crews were called to PC World, Border Retail Park, Wrexham, yesterday morning after the severe weather loosened the aluminium cladding on the side of the building.

Members of the fire service were called to the scene just after 9am and used an aerial ladder platform.