Responding to Flood Crisis

Published by Michael Ord for South Tyneside Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Responding to Flood Crisis.

South Tyneside Homes, the company that manages and maintains the Council’s housing stock, is continuing its hard work supporting those tenants whose homes were affected by floods that struck the north-east on 29th June.

When the torrential downpour of “Thunder Thursday” badly damaged 120 homes (and 500 to a lesser extent) housing chiefs and officers immediately went into action to coordinate the emergency response. Homes in parts of Hebburn and Jarrow were particularly adversely affected.

Housing directors, managers, local office staff, Sheltered Housing Officers and tradespersons were out till the early hours of Friday seeing what they could do to help and working in conjunction with the Council and the Fire and Rescue Service. Staff assisted with the lifting of carpets and ordering of industrial vacuums. Temporary accommodation was found for those who were the worst affected.

The company worked hard throughout the following week to make sure that everyone who had been affected received a visit for a health and safety assessment of their home to be carried out. Dehumidifiers and fans were left in the properties to help with the drying out process.

Tenants David Armstrong and May Byrne from Lilac Walk (Hebburn), whose bungalows were badly affected and have had to temporarily move out of them, were full of praise for the Sheltered Housing Officers who helped them that fateful day. Mr Armstrong says, “They’ve been fantastic. They even moved my fridge and three-piece.  They all worked so hard that night from half four till ten past eleven. Everybody was fantastic.”
The sentiments were echoed by Mrs Byrne who says, “They’ve been the best. I’ve had my information pack as well to keep me informed as to what is happening.”

Director of Investment Mark Whittle says, “We have also visited everyone individually to discuss their needs and provided them with a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions they may have about flood damage, and to advise them about the next stages they can expect once their homes have dried out. For some people this may mean a new kitchen while others will need bespoke repairs. Whatever is needed we will be making sure that everyone affected is kept informed in the weeks to come, which is why we are committed to visiting them every week until the matter is resolved. We feel tremendous sympathy for those people whose homes were damaged and our staff have responded with a real sense of customer care in keeping with our company values.”

Picture. Right to left. Sheltered Housing officer Lynn Hughes, with tenants May Byrne (centre) and David Armstrong outside the Lilac Walk bungalows.