RESIDENTS have expressed their anger and disgust over a lack of communication as parts of Bewsey and Dallam were effectively cut off for more than a day due to devastating New Year’s Day floods.
Posts appeared on social media criticising the ineffective flood gates in the Longshaw Street, area which was particularly hard hit.
One floodgate was seen to have written on it: “Dear Torus, they didn’t work!”
There were complaints about lack of sandbags once river levels were rising. A resident said they were still without electricity at 4pm on Thursday January 2, more than 24 hours after the floods peaked.
Another resident expressed disgust from the community towards the council.
Other posts were highly critical of councillors for their perceived lack of action on the day of the floods.
Warrington Borough Council said in a statement: “We’re very sorry that a number of properties have been flooded across Warrington and the wider area.
“As part of a multi-agency partnership, we continue to offer as much as much support as possible, within our limited resources, and have particularly focused on circumstances where there’s a risk to life.
“The council and our partners have visited and provided help to hundreds of properties – but we know that even despite this collective work, some properties have been particularly badly affected.
“We will be contacting government to seek their urgent support and commitment to investment in the flooding relief and drainage schemes. This is vital as serious weather events are now more common.
“Our work to provide help, advice and support continues.”
Latest weather forecasts show Warrington is now under a yellow weather warning as the wet weather turns colder.
Snow is expected to fall on Saturday bringing with it a three-day Arctic blast continuing into Monday.
A spokesperson for Torus made it clear that it was not responsible for the floodgates at its properties.
Despite the complaints, a huge emergency services operation took place. Charities and retailers rallied around offering free food to those affected.
In a Facebook post, Torus said: “We are currently supporting tenants who have been affected by the floods in Warrington.
“We are experiencing high levels of calls and will try to answer your query as soon as we can. We apologise for the inconvenience.”
People in an emergency or who are stranded due to the floods should call 999 for assistance, it added.
Meanwhile, Warrington South MP Sarah Hall set up a crowdfunder for those affected by the floods.
Responding to comments, Paul Warburton, Torus Group Housing Director said: “Torus has been working tirelessly since New Year’s Day with more than 10 neighbourhood officers in Warrington working with the emergency services and local authorities to help people living in our homes affected by the flooding, providing emotional and practical support, and with temporary accommodation offered so people have a safe place to stay. “We have been door-knocking and keeping everyone affected up-to-date with the latest information as flood water can be contaminated and contain sewage and harmful pollutants to humans and animals. We are advising people to stay in the temporary accommodation provided until their home is safe for them to return to. Our teams are assessing affected damaged homes and will then carry out the appropriate remedial works. “Our teams are also providing tenants who have decided to remain in their homes with a warm care package and any support they require at this upsetting time. We are here for our tenants, and if you need us, please call 0800 678 1894 or Warrington Borough Council’s wellbeing service 01925 818017 and select option 4.
“Torus is not responsible for the floodgates, so we are unable to comment on this issue.”
