Shop owner says flood has cost him thousands

A business owner has said he has lost thousands of pounds in takings since a flood at his premises.

The basement of the old mill at Fieldhouse Industrial Estate in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was flooded when a pipe burst in the basement on 2, June leaving several firms without power and water.

Sam Hopley, who runs Wallpaper Base, said there had been no compensation offered by the landlord, Bizspace.

The company said its priority was getting the site "safe for clients and employees" and hoped all units would be open again by Thursday.

Hopley said: "There was about nine million 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 substation and knocked off the power.

"We were without power for days and the landlord blocked access due to health and safety issues.

"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."

He said businesses had been advised to make a claim against their ow insurance.

The 41-year-old said he had lost an order for 450,000 greeting cards because he has not been able to fulfill the second part of the delivery.

"I am in limbo and have no idea what the future holds. I am worried my livelihood could be lost," he added.

Carol Jackson, who runs the Bright 'n' Breezy snack bar, said she had decided to reopen on Monday 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, she said.

Jackson added: "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.

"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. I know everyone has lost money.

"I could seriously just cry."

Bizspace said it had offered clients use of units in its site in another Rochdale site, at Moss Hill, which several businesses had taken up.

Bizspace added it would speak to clients and see if it could help them on a "case by case basis".

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "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."

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