Households hit by flooding still wait for homes

THREE Gateshead households affected by catastrophic flooding in a town centre high-rise are yet to be moved into new homes four months on. The occupants were initially evacuated into hotel accommodation before housing could be found.

- By AUSTEN SHAKESPEARE

Of the former occupants of the 1950s-built Priory Court, on Hopper Street, 33 out of 36 are now ready to move to new homes or already have, Gateshead Council has said. The ex-residents of the flats were moved out for their own safety following a “waterfall”-like flood in early June which left the building beyond repair or safe habitation.