Flood victim Ethel, 94, vows to return home

Sep 14 2008 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

A FRAIL pensioner who became one of the symbols of the North floods returned home yesterday to view the devastation caused by the deluge.

Newspapers across the country last week showed Ethel Collins being carried out of her High Stanners home in Morpeth, Northumberland, by rescuers.

A week on, Ethel told how she couldn’t take any of her treasured possessions with her, and how she is still awaiting a visit from an insurance assessor.

She said: “I had no time to get anything, but I couldn’t do anything anyway, I’m 94 years old and I’m crippled with pain. They had to carry me out.

“I’m staying at my daughter’s house and they’ve said I can’t come back here before Christmas.”

A few boxes of salvaged crockery and glassware and one chair are all that remain of Ethel’s bare living room, and in the kitchen muddy marks stain the units.

She said: “It’s all ruined. I’ve only had the kitchen done two years ago but it’ll all have to go now. I want to come back, though. This is my house and has been for 29 years.”

Almost all the residents in the High Stanners street have been moved into temporary accommodation by insurance companies and Castle Morpeth council, with some hotels clearing out guests to make way.

Flood victims who have been staying with friends and relatives are coming forward daily, searching for long-term shelter because it could be months before their homes are habitable again.

Howver, one resident, who did not wish to be named, has never left her home . . . and will stay as long as she can to see it restored.

When she first saw the water levels rising she boiled the kettle and made up flasks of hot tea and coffee, then headed upstairs to watch the drama unfold by candlelight from her bedroom window, together with visiting friends from Ireland.

Her terminally-ill husband, meanwhile, was ferried to hospital after rescuers came for him in an inflatable lifeboat.

A week later, all destroyed furniture has been taken away and the downstairs of their home will have to be completely renovated.

She said: “The house is upside down at the moment but we’re getting there . . . everyone has actually been laughing and in high spirits.”

A few doors down, Tim Pinkney, 41, told how he’s returned home on a daily basis . . . even though it will be a year before he and wife Suzanne, 31, can live there again.

Among treasured possessions the Pinkneys lost last Saturday are countless family photos and a home video of the birth of their 18-week-old son Max.

Tim, an accountant, told how he has also lost his collection of rare — and valuable — vinyl records.

He said: “We’re going to rent a house in Low Fell, Gateshead. My wife doesn’t understand why I come back here but I feel like I have to be here.”