AN elderly couple evacuated from a flooded retirement village are now safely settled with their family whilst other residents have been moved to a hotel.
Geoff Enright, 94, and wife Rose, 87, were among around 50 residents rescued by firefighters from Weaver Court yesterday after it was cut off with no heating or power by Storm Christoph.
Rose and Geoff Enright celebrating Geoff's 93rd birthday
Residents and staff were ferried in dingies to Memorial Court whilst a multi-agency crisis team found them emergency accommodation.
Anxious families had waited all day to find out what was happening as their loved ones were stranded inside the care home, where all the telephone lines were down.
Geoff Enright
The couple's granddaughter Lesley Davenport, 32, from Winnington, said: "They had been without electricity with no heating or hot water from 8pm on Wednesday evening. For my grandad to be 94 without those necessities was a bit worrying for us.
"We were concerned because we couldn't get through to them on the phone so I came down to try and find out what was happening. I was so relieved when Cheshire Fire and Rescue turned up to get them out.
"It took four people to get my grandad off the boat as he has bad dementia. It was a bit heartbreaking to see him being put in that position."
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Residents and staff from Weaver Court ferried to safety through the flood water by firefighters in dinghies Picture: SWNS
The couple, who have been living at the home for 10 years, are now staying with daughter Fran, 65 and husband Geoff in Hartford.
"My nan had breast cancer a couple of years ago and got the all clear," said Lesley. "That generation is tough as old boots, but still vulnerable and frail.
Rose Enright
"We made a decision that it was better for them to be at home with my mum. We are so relieved and happy that they are safe.
"I want to say a big thank you to everyone involved in getting this sorted. Manageress Colette Mulligan was fantastic. Andrew Cooper, a council volunteer was brilliant too. He was with us outside from 9.30am and didn't leave until everyone was safe."
Joan Ferrario had also been worried about her mum Pam Latham who was marooned inside the home.
She waited anxiously beside the flood defence in the town centre, waiting for a decision to be made.
Joan Ferrario was worried about her mum Pam Latham, stranded inside flooded Weaver Court
"They had no electricity and no telephones so we couldn't get any information. I'm absolutely furious. This should not be happening. The flood defences are holding but there is so much surface water, the drains can't take it."
Joan was relieved today to be reunited with her 89-year-old mum who has been moved to Forest Hill Hotel in Frodsham.
"Mum is being very well looked after and has her own room," said Joan, from Manchester. "She is settled has been in touch with one of her oldest friends who she has known since she was 10."
A spokesperson for First Port, who manage Weaver Court, said:"We are incredibly proud of the team effort of the Weaver Court site team, the Council and emergency services, that went into the evacuation yesterday.
"The residents are safe in temporary hotel accommodation or with their families. A number of support staff have also been made available to provide practical and emotional support.
“Ensuring the site is completely safe for residents remains our absolute priority. Work to reinstate power is ongoing and we continue to monitor progress.
"We are hopeful that the site will be safe for residents to return to their homes in the coming days.”
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