4 days ago
Flooding forced these people from their homes eight months ago - they're only just back in
Flooding forced these people from their homes eight months ago - they're only just back in
It was the second major flood to affect the area in the last 14 years
The flooding near Liverpool last September
(Image: Resident handout )
Victims of a severe flood have finally been able to return home after spending eight months in hotels and temporary lodgings. Emergency services were summoned to Bulwer Street in Bootle on September 30 when water began flooding into homes, needing rescue boats to leave safely.
This was the second major flood reported on the street in the past 14 years, leaving many residents effectively homeless as their properties were submerged, destroying items like televisions and sofas, as well as personal keepsakes and family heirlooms.
Residents had been living in temporary housing for the past eight months while waiting for their properties to be refurbished and repaired following extensive flood damage. Thankfully, most people have now returned home after enduring a very challenging period.
To mark their return and thank a key member of the clean-up crew, Bulwer Street residents held a celebration on Friday afternoon (30 May), where they presented Forshaw Group support manager, Paula Prescott, with flowers and chocolates, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Forshaw Group was the firm responsible for the clean-up operation post-flood and was contracted by United Utilities to refurbish people's homes. As part of this process, Forshaw stationed Paula on site, making herself available daily to address residents' concerns.
Paula Prescott was thanked by residents
(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo )
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Paula said: "My job was just to make sure everyone was ok really. I've dealt with similar situations before so I know what to expect. I know how they feel when it first happens, they're all in shock for days. It's just horrendous and all you can do is just try and support people.
"The people here have been absolutely brilliant. I remember when my dad died during all this and the residents bought me flowers then as well and had a big whip round. I couldn't believe it and they're such lovely people."
Bulwer Street residents were quick to highlight Paula's vital role during some of their most challenging times. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here .
Linda Crilly explained: "It has happened before, so we kind of knew what to expect, but still, it is a huge shock to have to leave your house when all the sewage water is coming in.
"Now that more and more people are back home there is a sense of relief but it's tempered with a bit of caution.
"What I will say is the response has been a lot better this time, in the sense that we've had people with contact numbers and names that we can get in touch with if there's been any problems. Most people have been very helpful and especially Paula."
Linda Crilly and Liz Earnshaw said the response had been much better this time
(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo )
Sarah, 34, described the ordeal of living in hotels with her teenage daughter Izzy and guide dog Ronnie after their home was ravaged by a flood last September, saying the experience was immensely stressful.
Sarah said: "We were living in a hotel for several weeks before we actually got a temporary home, and that was stressful enough, because we were moving from hotel to hotel. It's been a rollercoaster to be honest.
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"We are so happy to be back home but when it rains it does make you worry, but throughout it all we've had Paula who has been amazing and done so much including giving me a hug. We'd be lost without her."
