I was flooded on New Year’s, by summer I thought my time had come – I still don’t know when I’ll go home

Chris had only moved into his spacious Didsbury apartment 13 months earlier, but just six months in, he was homeless. When the rain poured on New Year’s Eve, and didn’t stop pouring on New Year’s Day, the River Mersey burst its banks a stone’s throw from Chris’ Palatine Road home.

His ground floor flat was quickly flooded, so within days he was homeless. After sofa-surfing with his family for a few days, Chris found an Airbnb, then rented an apartment on the other side of the south Manchester suburb.

He knew the hard part had only just started as his flat needed gutting and renovating. But nearly a year later, he still doesn’t know when he will be home.

“Nearly a year later, and we have no proper dates on going back. They have just finished plastering so we’re not even up to putting electricals back in or the flooring back,” he said.

“Two months ago, they said January 29, 2026, but they said that was flexible. But I am still waiting to hear the bathroom has been approved and that’s a two or three week fitting job. As for a schedule, you can throw it in the bin.”

Chris, 62, said ‘battling for everything’ meant his mental health deteriorated as the months went by, eventually culminating in his graffiti. His wife was also signed off work sick for months.

He explained: “I thought my time had come in the summer. But fortunately, I spoke to my doctor and got medication and talking therapy.”

The dad is still counting the cost of the damage. Although his insurers are covering his accommodation and repairs, his contents insurance has surged to £1,300 per year. He’s also had to pay around £4,000 in property management fees as part of his flat’s lease this year — despite the fact it’s unlivable.

A spokesperson for Premier Estates, which manages his apartment complex, said: “We have worked closely with our client, affected leaseholders, and a host of third parties, in the remediation of flood damaged properties at Ashfield Lodge.

“Our team reacted on an emergency basis on New Years Day and have been central to project planning and progress since, assisted by professional project management support, insurers, and appointed contractors.

“Affected residents have been provided with comparable alternative accommodation of their choosing and have been regularly updated, consulted, and engaged in the remediation process throughout.

“The majority of properties at Ashfield Lodge were unaffected by flooding. As determined by the lease agreement, service charges do remain payable in these circumstances, however flood related remediation costs have been covered in full by insurers, as have all costs relating to the comparable alternative accommodation provided.

“The scale of project works undertaken within affected apartments at Ashfield Lodge will ensure the highest standards upon completion and we look forward to residents returning to their homes in due course.”

While Chris has paid a heavy price for flooding, he is one of several hundred Greater Mancunians who were forced out of their homes on New Year’s Day. Didsbury was one of the worst-hit areas, with damage in the millions.

Despite the devastation and pleas from councillors and town hall bosses for action, a new investigation revealed this week Manchester still has 57 ‘high consequence’ flood defences ‘below required condition’, just as winter starts to bite.

The Environment Agency, responsible for maintaining defences, said: “”Each year, we complete up to 165,000 inspections of flood assets across the country and have recently redirected £108 million into repairs and maintenance. This will help to ensure the strongest protection for nearby communities.

“If the performance of an asset is reduced, then immediate action is taken to ensure that flood risk continues to be effectively managed until the asset is fully repaired or replaced.”