Tree fall damages roof
AN elderly couple felt the full force of Storm Doris as the winds brought the roof down.
The gales caused a 30ft tree to come crashing on to the roof of their bungalow on Raven Street, Norden, last Thursday.
The couple, who asked not to be named, moved in with family while an emergency tree surgeon worked to remove the tree and make the roof watertight.
Peter Smith, from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, which manages the bungalow, said: “As a result of the smooth partnership working between RBH and the council, any danger or inconvenience to the couple was immediately resolved and by evening they were able to move back home.”
A roofer was on site the next day to repair the damage.
Elsewhere Doris brought 70mph winds, torrential rain and chaos across Greater Manchester.
Dozens of trees were felled, trains and flights were cancelled and drivers, commuters and homeowners all urged to take extra care.
A number of cars, buildings, fences and walls were damaged by falling trees and debris.
Train passengers were also badly affected as Virgin cancelled all its services between Manchester and London, causing major widespread disruption as Northern and Transpennine Express also suffered cancellations and delays.
Warren Pickstone, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service head of protection, said: “We’ve received a lot of calls and credit has to go to all our staff in ensuring we maintained a high level of service.
“We have now seen the worst of the storm but the public should remain wary of areas that may have been damaged by the high winds, be it loose roof tiles or fallen trees that could cause injury.”
The storm also caused problems for pilots landing at Manchester Airport, though one Monarch pilot was so unfazed by the weather he brought down his plane in 50mph winds and then gave a cheeky wave to planespotters.