Gateshead flat residents unable to return home after flood
Dozens of people have been told they will not be able to return to their homes inside a tower block following an internal flood.Residents of Priory Court in Gateshead were evacuated on 6 June and investigations show restoring the building's electrical supply could take "several months".About 30 households were moved to hotels or emergency accommodation, with Gateshead Council covering the cost.In correspondence seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the local authority has now contacted residents to say it has "made the difficult decision to decommission Priory Court with immediate effect".
James Gray had moved there from another tower block following similar problems last September.The 55-year-old said going through the experience again was devastating."The worst part for me is getting that money, putting it into the new flat, decorating it out, spending money on the furniture and it's just money down the drain," he said.
'Massive upheaval'
Kenneth Forrest, 80, who has lived there for decades, moved into his daughter's home following the evacuation.His daughter, Lesley Stanners, said: "The council has said there will be people to help him move, but there are memories in that house."He could do some shopping, put a bet on, talk to people and keep himself going until I got there after work."He knew everybody in the flats. It's going to be a whole new different thing."
Sheila Blatchford, who lived in the building for 10 years, described the news as a "massive upheaval", but praised the council."They've done everything they can for us within their remit and they have been here every day since it happened," she said.The Labour-led council says all residents will be given "critical need" prioritisation for rehousing, including direct lettings and support with moving.Some residents may face being relocated on a temporary basis until something permanent can be found.Councillor Chris Buckley, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "We fully recognise how difficult this news will be, and we are currently talking directly to every individual concerned about next steps and the support and assistance the council will provide."This is not the outcome anyone wanted, but we must face the reality of the situation."We are committed to doing everything we can to meet the needs of each resident and ensure they are rehoused with our full support."Neighbouring Peareth Court and Park Court, which are located near to the closed Gateshead Highway flyover, are also being decommissioned due to the cost of maintaining them, with occupants due to be updated this week.
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