Clean-up operation in wake of Storm Claudia continues 

Council emergency crews respond to more than 80 calls across Tameside.

The clean-up operation following Storm Claudia continues across Tameside this week.

The storm, named by the Spanish meteorological service, left a trail of devastation across parts of Spain and Portugal, with flooding and high winds claiming a number of lives and leaving dozens injured.

Claudia then tracked north hitting the UK, reaching the North West of England last Friday night and Saturday morning, bringing high winds and torrential downpours.

The Midlands and Wales were worst hit, with a major incident declared in Monmouth where much of the town was flooded.

Closer to home emergency crews were kept busy with trees blown over and incidents of isolated flooding.

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “Our emergency response teams responded to approximately 66 calls on the night of the storm with over 80 calls received and responded to on Saturday as a direct result. Trees and fallen debris were removed from roads and placed into safe areas and will be fully removed this week by our teams.

“Our teams are continuing to work with residents, councillors and partners over the coming week to address the impact of the storm on our borough.”

A tree came crashing down into Mottram Road in Stalybridge during the storm, while another was toppled in front of St Mary’s Church in Newton, blocking the entrance. 

Fallen trees also closed roads in Mossley, an Elm tree adjacent to Milton St John’s Primary School falling onto a house opposite and blocking Mill Lane.

In an update Mossley Councillor Taf Shariff stated: “Tree specialists will begin work this Friday from 8am, and it will be a challenging operation, including bringing a crane onto the site. Parking on Mill Lane, Vernon Street and Archer Street will be affected for the day whilst the crane gets through. Please bear with us while this essential work is carried out.

“I know this situation has been difficult, especially for the school, the families, and the residents directly affected. I want to reassure you that we are getting everything back to normal as quickly as possible.”

Hattersley’s Tesco Extra store was closed for a time earlier this week due to a maintenance issue resulting from the severe weather.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “Our Hattersley Extra is now open as usual following a temporary closure. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused.” 

After the storm the calm, and the cold, with a Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice issued by the Met Office for our region for yesterday.

Toppled: This fallen tree blocked the entrance into St Mary's Church, Newton, with council emergency crews clearing the way last Saturday.