A flood at an old mill in Rochdale has left several businesses facing financial ruin – with no choice but to close.
A flood at an old mill in Rochdale has left several businesses facing financial ruin – with no choice but to close.
The basement of the old mill at Fieldhouse Industrial Estate was flooded last week. This left several businesses without power and water.
They were forced to shut from Tuesday, June 2, and many still have not reopened. Businesses have reported that electricity has returned but there is still no running water.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue attended the scene to help evacuate businesses. No one was hurt during the incident, it has been reported.
A number of the business owners have reported losing thousands in income and criticised landlord Bizspace for a lack of support.
Sam Hopley, who runs Wallpaper Base, said: “There was about 9m litres of water in the basement. It seems it came from a burst water pipe.
“The water triggered the fire alarm and that meant everyone got evacuated. The flood water reached the height of the electricity cables, which then flooded the sub station and knocked off the power.
“We were without power for days and the landlord blocked access due to health and safety issues. They are not offering compensation or alternative sites and said we should make a claim on our insurance policies.
“I have had a lot of customers I’ve had to turn away. I have probably lost thousands in income as a result of this.”
Sam operates online as well as in-store, but he’s had to cease all operations due to not being able to access his rental unit. He wanted answers from his landlord as to when he can get back in – which is expected to be this Thursday (June 11).
“The landlord hasn’t given any indication as to when the mill will reopen,” he added. “We could reopen this week or we may be told we are closing forever.
“I am in limbo and have no idea what the future holds. I am worried my livelihood could be lost.”
A number of businesses were told the same thing – to claim on their insurance. But some have lost stock that was ruined by a lack of power and the flood waters.
Carol Jackson, who runs Bright ‘n’ Breezy snack bar, decided to reopen today (June 8) in order to try and recuperate some of her losses. But the lack of running water at the site made things a lot harder than she expected.
Carol said: “At the moment the electricity is back but we have no water. I have managed to open but needs must for me as it has financially nearly ruined me.
“As a small business it is devastating.
“I have been thinking over this weekend whether I should reopen. But I am 62, how am I going to get a job? I can’t make a living from fresh air.
“It’s a case of needs must. I am not a millionaire, I run a small business to make a living.
“We are all trying to support each other. But there are around 70 businesses and everyone is facing different challenges. But I know everyone has lost money.
“It’s just wrong when you are just trying to make a living. I could seriously just cry.”
Thursday is the expected day the site will fully reopen, but nothing has been confirmed by site owners, Bizspace.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 12pm on Tuesday, June 2 fire crews from Rochdale, Chadderton and Littleborough attended reports of a flood at a business on Fieldhouse Industrial Estate.
“Flooding was found in the basement of the building and it was evacuated as a precaution.
“No injuries were reported and fire crews were on the scene for approximately four hours.”
Bizspace has not responded to a request for comment.
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