Littleborough community come together to help those affected by flooding

Flood damaged house contents in the street

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

The Littleborough community came together to help those affected by flooding. Around 100 volunteers gathered to help and clean up following the disaster.

Callum Boardman, who rallied volunteers together, said: “We have had between 80 and 100 people come together today and we have sent about seven teams out and about. We are just doing what we can and helping who wants it.”

Devastated residents on Todmorden Road and Victoria Street could be seen clearing their homes of wet carpet, destroyed sofas and discarding of Christmas decorations.

Local businesses were also trying to clear up damage.

Shivaun Poole-York, from Shivaun’s Nails and Beauty, said: “It seems to just be the carpet and the wood flooding that has been damaged. I think it was worse to be stood inside and watch it go past. We are hoping to be back open again by Wednesday.”

Lisa Culshaw, from Vaporized, said: “Luckily it just seems to be the floors that have been hit. One of our staff members was in yesterday and managed to get the stock to a high level so that hasn’t been affected.

“I do have to say that the Fire Service and the emergency services were absolutely fantastic and we can’t praise them enough. We have also been donated a wet and dry vac from Screwfix but we don’t think we need it, so we will be giving it to someone who needs it.”

The Falcon Inn is hoping to be re-open by teatime today.

Licensee Julie Burns said: “It was horrendous to be honest. The cellar was completely flooded and some of it came upstairs but we are hoping to be open again today.”

St Barnabas Church opened their doors to help those affected and offered shelter to residents of local care homes who needed somewhere to stay until being re-homed last night.

Rev Ian Bullock said: “We have been offering tea and coffee and food to anyone who needs its. We helped with about 20 people last night that needed temporary accommodation until they were re-homed. I think the last person was with us until about 10.30pm.

“We cancelled services this morning and opened for anyone who needs somewhere warm and dry to come. We have someone from Rochdale Council with us all day offering advice and we are here if people just need somewhere to go.”

- - - - - - - - - -

UPDATE

An offer of accommodation in a spare room in the home of a couple living at Hollingworth Lake over the next few days for anyone affected by the flood in Littleborough. Email Margaret and John: magnette57@yahoo.com

Francesca Barker at The Barker Baker in Littleborough is also offering spare rooms with hot water. Email Francesca: thebarkerbaker@gmail.com