Business owners in Stockport are devastated after floods caused massive damage, leaving many questioning their future and livelihoods
Stockport: Business owners are feeling crushed after the New Year’s Day floods wreaked havoc on their livelihoods. Many returned to find their hard work washed away, with damages soaring over a million pounds.
At the Meadow Industrial Estate, some folks are seriously thinking about throwing in the towel. This is the second time in just three years that they’ve faced such devastation. The area, right next to the River Tame, was hit hard, and it’s left a lot of people in a tough spot.
Over 400 residents from nearby apartments had to be evacuated as the floodwaters rose, cutting off power and water. The industrial units weren’t spared either, with water levels reaching over six feet in some places.
When they came back to their businesses, many found everything they’d worked for gone. Equipment and stock worth tens of thousands were destroyed, and the total cost is expected to be staggering.
Chris Fawley, who runs a wood finishing business, shared his heartbreak. He had just returned from a holiday in Spain, knowing he’d face a disaster. He mentioned that the last flood cost him around £20,000-£30,000, but this time it’s much worse.
He’s not alone in his worries. John Hayes, who’s been at the estate for 15 years, described the scene as looking like a bomb had hit it. He managed to save some classic cars but lost a lot of stock. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially since this has happened before.
Steve Brocklesby, who makes polished concrete furniture, tried to stay positive, saying it’s a rough start to the year but things can only get better. He was lucky to have sold most of his stock before the floods hit.
The site’s owner, Gemma Papp, expressed her shock at the devastation. They had flood warnings but couldn’t have predicted the extent of the damage. Many businesses are now left without insurance, making recovery even harder.
As the clean-up begins, the community is still in shock. Gemma noted the pain on people’s faces and emphasized the need for answers about what went wrong. It’s a tough time for everyone involved, and the road to recovery will be long.
Residents nearby are also feeling the impact, with many cars written off and still no power or water in their homes. It’s a challenging situation for all, and the community is rallying together to support one another.
