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07
May
‘Our home is ruined’: residents face up to aftermath of Knaresborough floods
Residents in Knaresborough are facing up today to the aftermath of last night's floods, which affected about 30 homes.
Firefighters battled for two hours to pump water from homes and some residents even used buckets to remove water from their houses.
We ran a live blog last night and have followed up concerns — denied by the council — that the state of the drains played a part.
Today, we visited Knaresborough to speak to some of those whose homes were flooded.
Outwardly, the town appeared to be back to normal, with little sign of the impact of the storm. But the homes of those affected tell a very different story.
‘It feels pretty desperate’
Ann and Richard Briscoe, who live in St Margaret’s Gardens, said the house they have lived in since 2007 had been ruined.
A holiday let attached to their home, which was being rented out, was also affected.
Ms Briscoe said the rain began around 5.30pm. She contacted her daughter about the “size of the rain drops” just before their garden and downstairs flooded.
She said:
The tenants in the holiday cottage, who had to relocate to Scarborough, began piling chairs and sofas on top of tables to limit the damage as much as possible, the couple added.
The flooding at the door and outside their home.
Besides the inconvenience, the storm will have a considerable financial impact on the couple. Ms Briscoe said:
The couple said neighbours and family members rushed to their house to help, with some lifting furniture onto bricks to prevent it being soaked.
Firefighters arrived to assist the Briscoes, but the couple said "most of the water had dispersed at that point".
They, along with many others, feel the state of Knaresborough’s drains was a key factor.
Ms Briscoe said:
Cllr Matt Walker, a Liberal Democrat who represents a part of Knaresborough, said he agreed the drains were a contributory factor — although the council has denied this.
Cllr Walker has also been part of a joint emergency response involving the emergency services, North Yorkshire Council and Knaresborough Town Council, which led to four people being found alternative accommodation. Welfare checks are being carried out today.
However, the couple said they did not receive any offers of alternative accommodation last night.
Ms Briscoe added:
One of the flooded rooms.
‘Stuff was floating through our house’
Firefighters pump water from the home.
The Robinson family, who live on Dentdale Drive in the Eastfield area of the town, were forced to evacuate their home last night.
Nichola and Mark Robinson told the Stray Ferret they had gone to watch their son play cricket at Knaresborough Cricket Club yesterday afternoon.
The couple said there were “bright skies" until lightning halted play.
Ms Robinson said:
By the time they arrived home, the water was already above their ankles.
Ms Robinson said the rain was so heavy she could “barely see” it had run into their house. She added:
The height at which the water reached is evident on the wall.
The couple said the fire brigade arrived at around 7pm to pump out water.
Ms Robinson also feels the state of Knaresborough’s drainage system and new housing developments could be to blame:
The couple also said they too were not offered alternative accommodation by the authorities and instead stayed with family nearby.
Mark and Nichola Robinson's home after the flood.
Chain Lane drop-in session
North Yorkshire Council said in a statement this afternoon:
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