Family Christmas and business destroyed in flood

Joe and Jim Charleson outside their flood damaged home in Station Road, Padiham

For dozens of items of equipment and toys they use for their childminding business was ruined when water came gushing into their cellar.

Joe Charleson and his wife Lesley run the business with their son, Jim, and they tried desperately to salvage as many things as possible. Joe said: “The water was waist deep in the cellar and I was just grabbing things that we floating around trying to save them but it was a hopeless task.

“There was nothing we could do. All we could do was watch the water come pouring in and try to salvage as much as possible.’

“My wife was in tears yesterday but we are just trying to take things in our stride today. Several parents of the children who we look after have been to see us and offered their help.’’

Dozens of children’s story books that Jim has kept in mint condition since he was a child were also destroyed in the flood.

Joe said that although sand bags were dropped off for residents they arrived too late and they had to fill them up by hand.

He added: “By the time they arrived the damage had been done.’’

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