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Stuart Hurst
A shop owner was left "devastated" by flooding on his first full day of trading after lockdown restrictions were eased.
Dale Street in Milnrow, Rochdale was "completely flooded" when the River Beal burst its banks on Monday evening.
"This can't carry on - it is the fifth flood in five years since the Boxing Day floods in 2015," Philip Holt who owns Carpet Creations said.
Councillor Andy Kelly said it was the worst flood he had seen in 20 years.
The Lib Dem Milnrow and Newhey councillor said it was the "quickest and the deepest" flood he has witnessed, adding it was a "massive indication of climate change" made worst by the "very old Victorian sewages" in the village.
Councillor Irene Davidson, who also represents Milnrow and Newhey ward, said: "The river rose so fast and the bottom of Dale Street was completely flooded".
She said the area - near to the River Beal - was prone to flooding but a "lot of money" had been spent on clearing drains in the last few years.
However, she said this had "not worked".
Mr Holt, who employs six staff, said: "We're devastated but we'll dust ourselves down and reopen on Wednesday but we can't keep doing this."
The 55-year-old said previous floods had cost him about £10,000 and he was unable to get insured due to the premises being in a flood area.
He said seeing the damage was "emotional as he puts every single penny back into his business".
"Something needs to be done. The drainage system can't cope," Mr Holt added.
"I think we get forgotten because we are a little village."
Local charity shop Village Treasures and the Tim Bobbin pub, which Mr Holt said had been refurbished during the lockdown, were also flooded.