Local communities surrounding Catcliffe have been helping businesses and residents with support, after the devastation caused by Storm Babet.
Vanessa Evits, a resident from Waverly, who saw the water rising and decided to help, said: “I collected a donation from Morrison’s at Catcliffe. I’ve sorted out mops, sponges and cleaning products into buckets and bags for people to come and collect.
“The surrounding local communities have all come together, from Brinsworth Street and Waverly. Lots of people from all over have helped by donating new furniture or helping move stuff.
“With Rotherham Council, all this could have been avoided. This makes me feel pretty angry and upset for the family and I am really, really upset with what has happened I have had family that lived on this estate and who were flooded last time. It’s so upsetting.
“I went into one house yesterday and it was a complete mess. You walked in and your feet would be squelching. Kids’ toys were ruined. I saw one little boy who just looked confused and sad because all his toys were getting thrown out and he wanted to play with them, but he couldn’t. As a mum of three, it really broke my heart. I could really sympathise with the parents.”
Some residents were provided with shelter and food at the local Catcliffe Memorial Hall, which opened when evacuations began.
Olivia Egan, the owner of Jack’s Theatre School, said: “We are trying to get back on our feet, but we have been really lucky with lots and lots of people offering help already. There was a lot to clean up, but someone has already donated a new sofa which is waiting to come.
“We have an alternative venue, and in my dreams, I’m hoping we will be back in two weeks, but my thinking is probably hugely optimistic. We are lucky that people have offered their time, carpet cleaners and furniture.
“When asked how she was feeling she said: “I feel all right. They say the peace of God passes all understanding and I don’t understand why I feel all right, but we are trusting in that and just getting on with it really.”
The Environmental Agency had been assessing the waters and draining the flood water back into the River Rother.
Ms Egan said: “I’ve had a couple of the mums of the dancers message me and tell me how upset their kids are. Some of them live here and haven’t just lost their dance school, but also their homes, which is just heartbreaking.”
