Traders count cost of leaks
FED up shop owners claim they are suffering damage, worry and expense every time the heavens open.
Romiley Precinct traders have complained of persistent leaks from the walkway or flats above their businesses, but say nothing is being done.
Their landlord sublets the homes to Stockport Homes, but shop owners claim their complaints are falling on deaf ears.
Stockport Homes say their repairs arm is working to resolve leaks.
Sandra Kane said she and her husband Chris, first discovered “a huge leak” from above at their Prestons German Kitchens showroom on October 28, which worsened after a downpour on Halloween night.
They only opened two months ago, but after speaking to fellow owners on the precinct discovered this wasn’t a new problem.
Sandra said: “In our kitchen showroom we have a number of kitchen displays that average about £15,000 per display. The leak was so bad that it had run at the back as well as on top of one particular display, causing damage to it. This apparently has been an ongoing issue.
“We rang Repairs raising our voices with anger and their response was ‘I’ll speak to a manager, we don’t know.’
“This is a very vicious circle for the Romiley shops as if our shops are destroyed we are tied into a 15-year lease and if we can’t pay the rent we are screwed.”
Seamus Oddie, of O’Brien’s Menswear, has been at the precinct for around two years and says he has experienced problems for the last 15 months or so when he spotted a leak at the back of his shop, above his computer, electrical sockets and his toilet.
He said: “We have spoken to the agent for the landlord and they say it’s to do with Stockport Homes. It’s coming from the flats that Stockport Homes sublets. When it pours it’s noticeably worse and it was bad last year when it snowed. It’s a drip, but it’s annoying because it discolours and it’s over all the electrical stuff. I keep replacing ceiling tiles. I don’t want to be stuck with a bucket underneath.
“Nobody seems to be doing anything about it. They will run round for one of the residents, but it’s us underneath who are suffering.
“It’s irresponsible. It doesn’t seem to be affecting the business but if I came in one day and it knocked out all my electrics then it would.”
Stockport Homes is an arms length management organisation (ALMO) owned by Stockport council to manage the borough’s housing stock.
A Stockport Homes spokesperson said: “We are aware of the situation and are working to resolve the issue. Our repairs team will continue to respond to localised leaks should they occur.”