Two months on since the Boxing Day floods the recovery operation continues for hundreds of residents in Salford.
Today (Friday 26 February) marks two months since the River Irwell burst its banks flooding more than 400 homes and businesses in the Lower Broughton area.
Around 300 Salix Homes properties were affected by the floods on the Riverside and Spike Island estates and the John Street area, and the recovery process to repair the damaged homes is now well underway.
Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said: “It’s now two months since the Boxing Day floods, which brought heartache and devastation to hundreds of our tenants in the Lower Broughton area.”
“Since the floods struck we have been out on the ground providing all the support, information and assistance we can to help our tenants, many of whom have seen their lives changed by the floods.”
“We are now entering the next stage of the recovery process and our partner contractors are now on site delivering the repairs programme to around 300 properties, which were affected.”
“While it’s a long road ahead our priority remains to provide all the help, support and assistance we can to our tenants at this difficult time.”
“Sadly around 85% of our tenants did not have contents insurance which makes the journey to recovery all the more difficult, but it’s been heart-warming to see the community rally round and support each other in this time of need and the people of Salford have displayed that Dunkirk spirit that they are known for.”
Following the initial ‘drying out’ phase, Salix Homes’ principle contractors Emanuel Whittaker, Seddon and A Connolly Ltd, are now on site to begin the repair work, which is being carried out in a phased approach in order to keep disruption to a minimum.
Salix Homes has also launched its Financial Support Package for affected tenants to help with any additional energy costs and disruption to their homes.
Mr Sugden added: “Our Financial Support Package is available for tenants while the repairs are carried out to their properties, and we hope this will go some way towards helping them rebuild their lives.”
“We are working very closely with our contractors to ensure minimum disruption while this essential repair work is completed and I’d like to thank tenants for their patience at this time.”
“I would urge anyone who has not yet claimed the Financial Support Package, or who has any questions about the repairs process to contact us on 24-hours a day on 0800 218 2000, or drop into our Flood Support Centre on Heath Avenue, which is open on Fridays from 9am – 4.30pm.”
