In January 2021, 101 Torus homes were affected by flooding in Warrington, caused by Storm Christoph. Each property was damaged – both internally and externally – and 84 families were forced to leave their homes for new accommodation while HMS repaired and refurbished their homes.

With damage on properties ranging from minor surface level damage such as painting and plastering to extensive repairs and refurbishments of kitchens and external repair work such as fitting specialist flood barriers and wall insulation, the team mobilised quickly to return residents homes to the standard they’re used to.

With flooding occurring due excessive rainfall and failing pumps in rainwater and river system, the levels of damage varied greatly across properties in the area resulting in the team triaging activities within homes as Green, Amber or Red depending on the critical nature of works required.

• 23 Green properties required minimal intervention and saw the team complete general tasks including painting and plastering, all while residents remained at home.
• 35 Amber properties required more responsive repairs and although residents still remained at home as works were completed, the team had to complete more intricate repairs including fixing kitchens and flooring and addressing damp, as well as repainting and replastering affected rooms.
• 43 Red properties were the worst affects and required both internal and external repair works.

Residents had to vacate their homes for their safety. On these properties, alongside component and general repairs, the team completed refurbishment works and flood works, adding new flood barriers, specialist wall insultation and non-return valves in waste pipes to prevent future flooding – being proactive as well as reactive in their approach to repairs.

Above and beyond the practical works and 282 property inspections completed to ensure the safety of our customers, HMS teamed up with charitable organisations including Torus Foundation and Care UK to provide further support, including:

• Providing alternative accommodation to 74 households, unable to return to their homes
• Delivering 500 home visits to provide reassurance and support
• Providing 80 skips to affected customers
• Providing food and shopping vouchers, as well as urgent items
• Feeding 100 people daily
• Subsistence payments, in excess of £120,000, to the 27 families temporarily staying in hotels

In a bid to prevent flooding occurring on this scale again and to reduce any future impacts flooding could have on the areas, we completed the following:

• Commissioned a flood specialist to carry out surveys on the worst affected homes, to recommend additional improvements
• Flood resilience works including fitting front and rear door barriers, replacing cavity wall insultation with a type that resists water passage, fitting non-return valves on waste pipes and adding water resilient coating to outside walls. Replace suspended floors with concrete slab allowing air bricks to be removed.

Ms Llewelly: “I am very pleased with the works done on my property (and there were many!) the team have done a great job, and nothing has been too much trouble. A great bunch of people, I am a very happy tenant!”

Mr Paget: “Your team have done a fabulous job and my Dad is over the moon to be back in his bungalow.”