Lowestoft counts cost of tornado

REPAIR work and a major clear-up operation was continuing in Lowestoft this week after a tornado struck parts of Lowestoft.

Homes and businesses across the town were left counting the cost on Saturday as chimneys collapsed, roof tiles were ripped off and walls and fences demolished.

There was also a frightening episode for a Carlton Colville couple when a tree was blown over and landed on their car in Denmark Road.

Alan and Christine Rose escaped serious injury, although Mrs Rose was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be cut free by firefighters.

A few hours earlier, the Lowestoft lifeboat was called to help the crew of the offshore support vessel Putford Apollo when it went aground on rocks off Ness Point.

Waveney District Council's building control team sprang into action when the winds hit, affecting more than 200 buildings and structures around the town.

Officers were kept busy assessing damage, managing public safety and setting timetables for repair work.

Paul Mullen, building control service manager, said extra officers were called in to deal with the large number of incidents and ensure the areas affected were safe.

Persistent strong winds meant most of the repairs had to be carried out quickly, during the days following the storm.

Many people have spent the past few days contacting insurance companies to report damage, but a number have reported problems persuading insurers to accept the damage was caused by winds well in excess of 50mph.

A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers urged residents to keep in touch with their insurance companies as more information about the storm and damage caused would help their claims.

Anyone who knows of or thinks they might have a potentially dangerous structure should call Waveney Council on 01502 562111.