Caravan has been home for flood-hit pair

David Ford and his partner Rebecca were renting at Hope House, Cheetham Street, Hebden Bridge, when floods swept through town.

They were away over Christmas when news of the deluge began to break and when they arrived back on Boxing Day, the damage had been done.

“The cellar was full of water and it was nearly 2ft deep. It was a mess really,” Dave, 46, a circus skilled performer said.

“By the time we had got back, it was dark so we were going round with a torch.

“The house had been used for meditation groups and a lot of different people came to help clear up.

“We had to get rid of a lot stuff and after the floods, we never stayed at Hope House again.”

The pair managed to make do with temporary accommodation for a short while, but when a friend’s offer of a caravan came they accepted.

It’s currently parked on Todmorden Cricket Club’s ground, where a number of other people have sought solace following the floods.

The couple now have a new house to move into in Hebden Bridge next month.

David added: “We lost a lot of personal belongings, from boxes of CDs to photographs, the things that make your life up. I’ve seen flooding before, but never been affected, it was overwhelming.

“We’ve made use of a grant and people have been really generous with their assistance and help.”

Hope House had been used by Hebden Bridge Zen Group, which has since moved its sessions to Calderdale Yoga Centre, Nutclough Tavern Studio and the Birchcliffe Centre.