My Gateshead council flat flooded, it was like a waterfall

Residents of Priory Court, on Hopper Street in central Gateshead, were evacuated on the afternoon of June 6 after an internal flood swept through the building, including into some flats. Occupants have been offered accommodation in nearby hotels, but are still left unclear about their long term future. 

Gateshead Council said the flooding caused  damage to the main electrical installation and 31 households had to be evacuated and moved into alternative accommodation. The council added that an investigation is under way into the cause of the flooding.

Retiree Maurice Birdsall, 71, a Priory Court resident of eight years, said: “ It was like a waterfall going down the landing. Then the electricity blew, there was nothing.” 

Mr Birdsall also estimated some flats on floor seven were flooded to just below knee height

“Some people have been hit really badly. It is in a state like, and it still smells, off the electrics. We are being told different stories, some are saying we will be in the Ramanda Hotel for a week. I thought we would be there by now, it happened on Friday.” 

Mr Birdsall added: “Everybody has been affected in some way.” 

Lesley Stanners, 56, of Stoneygate who took in her 80-year-old-father after his evacuation, said: “My dad phoned me on Friday and said the water had gone off and then said they had to evacuate at 3pm. 

“I told him to come to mine, I live in a four bedroom house, and he came with my brother who also lives there. Nobody from the council has contacted me at all. I rang this morning and they said they were in a meeting and would be in touch. 

“My dad struggles with walking and with living in a house he struggles to get up and my bathroom is upstairs. He doesn’t want to go to a hotel, he is 80. My daughter has had to go to stay with her boyfriend to let my father and brother have a bed.” 

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A council spokesperson said: “On Friday afternoon, an incident at Priory Court caused flooding to communal areas, including damage to the main electrical installation. Some flats are also affected. For the safety of all tenants, we quickly made the decision to evacuate the building. Temporary facilities were opened at Civic Centre, with 31 households safely relocated to suitable hotel accommodation or with family and friends within hours of the incident, with meal allowances provided to those affected.

“Arrangements are in place to secure the site, and access is now off-limits without supervision. Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the incident, and we are currently assessing the full extent of the damage, with a view to returning residents to their home as soon as possible. 

“It’s too early to say whether this incident will affect wider demolition plans for the block, but immediate next steps include continuing support for affected residents, and notifying neighbouring blocks about related works and car park impacts.”

Words: Austen Shakespeare

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