THE CLEAR-UP may be gathering pace but the fear and concern following the tornado that caused huge damage in Stalybridge and Dukinfield has far from subsided.
People whose houses were literally ripped apart by what is now officially a T5 storm are picking up and putting together the pieces.
Some properties are so badly damaged, Tameside Council is in the process of issuing about 50 dangerous building act notices.
This means they require works to be carried out and in a number of cases, the residents cannot return until that is complete.
On Calico Crescent in Carrbrook, people left without gable ends, roof tiles, timbers and door windows were gathering rubble in piles ready for collection.
However, a number of properties are without electricity, meaning freezers full of festive food are being emptied.
One resident told how they have been moved out of their property to a Travelodge and with roof damage just above youngster’s bedroom window, how her children are still ‘traumatised’ by the experience of late on Wednesday, December 27.
Another resident of the estate, Stephen Harrop, says he is ‘lucky’ to have only lost a few ridge tiles from his roof.
As chainsaws of tree surgeons tending to the dozens that were felled on land just behind, he also told how some unscrupulous people looked to cash in.
And, as of yet, he has not heard from the estate’s management company, Residential Management Group, which is based in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.
He said: “Just looking around the area shows the extent of the damage – we’re lucky, ours is valued at about £2,000.
“But some of the other homes have been devastated.
“On the same day, though, people I’d describe as chancers came up and were literally knocking on doors saying, ‘We’ll get it fixed for you today.
“‘I want paying straight away, £1,500 and we’ll put a ladder up.’ I replied, ‘It’s going to take more than a ladder. It needs scaffolding to get up there safely.’
“It’s disgraceful and I’ve not heard from the management company, I’m going to get in touch with them.”
Tameside Council said of its action regarding dangerous properties: “The council is required to serve notices as part of our statutory duty and it is part of the process which will enable residents to get their insurers to take action if they haven’t already.
“In all cases where a notice is served, the advice to residents is they must contact their insurance company to notify them as this will enable it to determine steps to repair their home and provide alternative accommodation where necessary.
“We are contacting residents directly to serve notices where appropriate, however we urge those who have had to evacuate their homes and haven’t heard from us by 2pm on Sunday, December 31 to contact our emergency control centre on 0161 342 2222.
“The control room will be able to advise residents if their property has been served a notice and provide a copy to pass to their insurers.”
“Any new reports of storm damage/fallen trees/debris can be reported by calling 0161 342 2222.”
Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds, who saw the devastation for himself hours after the tornado, is urging anyone having difficulties with their insurers to contact his office and he will do all he can to support.
And Tameside Council leader, Cllr Gerald Cooney, added: “Following what was declared as a T5 category Tornado in Stalybridge, our building control service has been assessing affected properties.
“We know this is a difficult time for the affected residents and their families causing huge upheaval, especially at this time of year, and we are working as quickly as possible to now issue notices.
“We continue to deal with the aftermath of Storm Gerrit and the localised tornado, which has meant a huge clean-up operation across the borough as well as ongoing building inspections.
“Once again, I’d like to thank all those involved including the emergency services who continue to work tirelessly and the community for their support.”
A meeting for residents directly affected by the tornado with police officers and Cllr Cooney will be held at Buckton Vale Institute on Wednesday, January 3 at 6.30pm.
The Correspondent has approached RMG for comment.