A sports centre in south Manchester remains partially underwater after becoming damaged during severe flooding on New Year’s Day.
The Didsbury Sports Ground, on Ford Lane, became completely submerged when the bank of the River Mersey collapsed and floodwater swept through the local area on January 1.
Nearby, hundreds of residents had to be evacuated by boat when Palatine Road became flooded. A major incident was declared by emergency services amid rescue missions across the region.
READ MORE: Snow LIVE updates after Manchester Airport shuts, motorways and roads hit by ‘severe’ delays with schools closed
READ MORE: Met Office issues NEW 18-hour weather warning in Greater Manchester
Water from the nearby River Mersey, which reached its highest levels in 66 years, quickly washed over the sports ground and playing field, taking trees with it, and flooding the on clubhouse block and tearing through walls.
Damage to the on-site clubhouse -Credit:Didsbury TOC H Rugby Club
The venue said most of the damage caused was due to the riverbank collapsing and being swept away as unprecedented rainfall fell over the region. Pictures taken the following day showed how part of the bank, which acts as a flood defence, had been decimated.
Recent rain and snowfall have since worsened the problem at the sports centre, home to the Didsbury Rugby Club and Didsbury Football Club, with an urgent appeal now issued to raise vital funds for their clean-up operation.
Due to the flood risk, the venue said the site was uninsurable. ‘Significant structural damage’ has been caused to the on-site building, with playing fields and car park left completely submerged.
With donations and help from the local community, the sports club is hoping to begin removing ‘waterlogged sludge’ trapped in the block’s changing rooms and storage areas, with ‘extensive’ plumbing and electrical work also needing to be carried out, along with a clean up of the site and professional draining.
The grounds were left completely waterlogged -Credit:Didsbury TOC H Rugby Club
The JustGiving page, which has so far raised over £14,000, reads: “On New Year’s Day, Didsbury Sports Ground suffered devastating damage due to unprecedented flooding.
“The river behind the car park overflowed, flooding the grounds and facilities. Water levels surged to over a meter higher than previous events, causing significant structural damage to the changing rooms, storage areas, clubhouse, and playing fields. Tragically, the grounds could not secure insurance for this type of extreme flooding.
“The damage has left our beloved sports ground—home to Didsbury Football Club, Didsbury Toc H Rugby Club, Didsbury Runners, Last Man Stands Cricket, Didsbury Park Run, and Proactive Fitness—in critical need of repairs. This hub supports 800 local residents every week, hosting sports teams, fitness groups, and community events.
“As floodwaters recede, we are facing a massive clean-up and restoration project. Thick, waterlogged sludge has accumulated in key areas, and the damage to plumbing, electrical systems, and structural integrity is extensive.
“The anticipated costs for these repairs could reach tens, if not hundreds of thousands of pounds. Despite the incredible efforts of volunteers, the financial burden is far beyond what we can cover through regular fundraising alone.
“This is a pivotal moment for our community. Please join us in rebuilding and restoring the Didsbury Sports Ground. Together, we can ensure it remains a cherished resource for all.” Donations can be made here.
On Thursday (January 9), Manchester City Council revealed more than 1,000 people were forced to evacuate from Didsbury and Harpurhey on New Year’s Day. The River Mersey hit its highest levels in 66 years.
Flooding on nearby Palatine Road -Credit:Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News
They said they have worked with partners in the Environment Agency and the emergency services to coordinate recovery efforts and help get residents and businesses ‘back to normality’ since the flooding hit.
The Environment Agency announced it is working to implement repair plans and to assess damage to the riverbank, as there have been a number of breaches to the flood basin defence wall.