Appeal launched for Manchester sports club still under water more than a week after flooding
A sports centre is still partially underwater more than a week after it was flooded.
The Didsbury Sports Ground, in South Manchester, became completely submerged when the bank of the River Mersey collapsed and floodwater swept through the local area on New Year's Day.
Hundreds of local residents had to be rescued by boat when Palatine Road became flooded, and a major incident was declared by emergency services.
As water from the nearby River Mersey quickly washed over the sports ground and playing field, it took trees with it and tore through walls, flooding the clubhouse block.
Staff at the ground said most of the damage was caused by the riverbank collapsing and being swept away as unprecedented rain fell over the region, forcing the Mersey to its highest level in 66 years.
As severe weather has continued, rain and snow have only made the problem worse and an urgent appeal has now been issued to raise vital funds for the clean-up operation.
The JustGiving page, which has so far raised more than £14,000, reads: "On New Year’s Day, Didsbury Sports Ground suffered devastating damage due to unprecedented flooding.
"The river behind the car park overflowed, flooding the grounds and facilities. Water levels surged to over a meter higher than previous events, causing significant structural damage to the changing rooms, storage areas, clubhouse, and playing fields. Tragically, the grounds could not secure insurance for this type of extreme flooding.
"The damage has left our beloved sports ground - home to Didsbury Football Club, Didsbury Toc H Rugby Club, Didsbury Runners, Last Man Stands Cricket, Didsbury Park Run, and Proactive Fitness - in critical need of repairs.
"This hub supports 800 local residents every week, hosting sports teams, fitness groups, and community events.
"As floodwaters recede, we are facing a massive clean-up and restoration project. Thick, waterlogged sludge has accumulated in key areas, and the damage to plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity is extensive.
"The anticipated costs for these repairs could reach tens, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. Despite the incredible efforts of volunteers, the financial burden is far beyond what we can cover through regular fundraising alone."
The ground is home to the Didsbury Rugby Club and Didsbury Football Club, but operators say that due to the flood risk the site was uninsurable.
"Significant structural damage" has been caused to the on-site building, with playing fields and car park left completely submerged.
The sports club is hoping to use funds raised to begin removing 'waterlogged sludge' trapped in the block's changing rooms and storage areas, with 'extensive' plumbing and electrical work also necessary, along with a clean up of the site and professional draining.
Manchester City Council has revealed that more than a thousand people were forced to evacuate from Didsbury and Harpurhey on New Year's Day.
Its says that it is working with the Environment Agency and the emergency services to coordinate recovery efforts and help get residents and businesses 'back to normality' since the flooding hit.
The Environment Agency adds that it is working to begin repairs and to assess damage to the riverbank, the flood basin defence wall was breached in a number of places.