Storm Doris: tree falls onto bungalow in Norden

Storm Doris brings tree down onto bungalow in Norden

An elderly couple felt the full-force of Storm Doris as the howling wind brought a 30ft tree crashing on to the roof of their bungalow on Raven Street, Norden on Thursday (23 February).

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) and Rochdale Borough Council responded quickly to the incident and a tree surgeon was on site within 20 minutes.

RBH scheme manager, Karen Tweedale, arranged alternative accommodation for the couple at Ravendale Independent Living Scheme not far from the couple’s home. As it turned out, family were on hand to look after the couple while the tree surgeon made the roof watertight and the emergency flat was not needed.

RBH Independent Living and Homelessness Manager Peter Smith said: “As a result of the smooth partnership working between RBH and the Council, any danger or inconvenience to the couple was immediately resolved and by evening they were able to move back home.”

A council spokesperson said: “The council’s prompt action helped ensure the couple quickly returned home, which was great news. We were only too pleased to help.”

A roofer was on site on Friday (24 February) and RBH remained on hand to make sure that the couple had the support they and their family needed in the aftermath of the storm.