Severe flooding in Didsbury has left a sports ground submerged, prompting urgent community support for recovery efforts
Didsbury: A sports centre in south Manchester is dealing with a real mess after the floods hit on New Year’s Day. The Didsbury Sports Ground is mostly underwater, thanks to the River Mersey overflowing its banks.
When the riverbank gave way, floodwaters rushed in, completely submerging the sports ground and damaging the clubhouse. It was a chaotic scene, with residents needing to be rescued by boat from nearby streets.
Emergency services declared a major incident as they worked to help everyone affected. The river reached its highest level in 66 years, and the damage was pretty severe.
Pictures from the aftermath show how the floodwaters took out trees and wrecked the clubhouse walls. The venue, which hosts Didsbury Rugby Club and Didsbury Football Club, is now in dire need of repairs.
They’ve launched a fundraising campaign to help with the cleanup, as the site is uninsurable due to the flood risk. The damage is extensive, with the playing fields and car park completely submerged.
Local volunteers are stepping up to help clear out the waterlogged areas, but they need more support. The JustGiving page has already raised over £14,000, but the costs for repairs could run into the hundreds of thousands.
The community is rallying together, as this sports ground is a vital hub for local activities, supporting around 800 residents each week. They’re hoping to restore it to its former glory with everyone’s help.
As the floodwaters recede, the cleanup will be a massive task. The damage to plumbing and electrical systems is significant, and they’re facing a long road ahead.
Manchester City Council is also involved, helping coordinate recovery efforts and working with the Environment Agency to assess the damage and plan repairs. It’s a tough situation, but the community is determined to bounce back.
