Anxiety remains on flood-hit estate two years on

Over 250 homes were evacuated in Catcliffe in 2023 after Storm Babet caused major flooding

Two years after major flooding left parts of Rotherham under water, residents in the affected areas say they fear it could happen all over again - meanwhile, they say they are still dealing with the strains on their relationships, finances and mental health left behind after the floodwater receded.

It was back in October 2023 that more than 250 homes were flooded in Catcliffe and Treeton as Storm Babet wreaked havoc, but local resident Chris Lloyd says even now "a decent day's worth of rain and we all feel it's happening again".

Mr Lloyd lives on Sheffield Lane, about 330ft (100m) from where the River Rother burst its banks - and for him and his long-term partner, it was just the start of a nightmare.

He admits the stress of evacuating his property and being rehoused put a "huge strain" on his relationship.

"We were in hotels and then rental properties for over six months. I got fixated worrying about the house," he says.

"It was all I thought about, so we didn't go anywhere for six months. No nights out, no day trips. You can image what that does."

Even though he has since moved back in to his home, the personal trainer says the way the house has been set up is very different to how it was before the flood.

"It was lovely to be home, but the way I live now, anything that's worth 'owt' is upstairs," he says.

"I used to have a man cave downstairs, but it's a bare minimum now. The electrics, the boiler are all upstairs."

Personal trainer Chris Lloyd says since returning home, he has kept the "bare minimum" downstairs in case of more flooding

Two years ago, nearby California Drive was also submerged after the banks of the River Rother burst.

For months afterwards, the cul-de-sac resembled a caravan park as residents decamped to mobile homes parked on their drives.

While nearly all the caravans have now gone, residents there are reluctant to talk about their experiences.

One, who asked not to be named, says: "People are sick of talking about it, especially when nothing seems to get done."

"The council gave us flood barriers for the front and back door," they explain.

"It's two pieces of wood for the door frame and a polystyrene sheet which slides down between them. Ours doesn't actually fit properly."

Rotherham Council has provided flood barriers to some properties in Catcliffe, which are fixed to the front and back doors

On neighbouring Orgreave Road, Sally Breeze, 57, says she has experienced major flooding there on three separate occasions.

However, Ms Breeze, who has lived on the estate in Catcliffe since 1990, when it was first built, says the 2023 floods had perhaps the most impact on her personally.

"The destruction wasn't actually as bad as previous years, but mentally I couldn't cope," she admits.

Ms Breeze, who works for a gas company, says the "emotional strain" from the floods two years ago led to her staying off work for over six months.

"Work were fantastic, really understanding," she says.

"I'm back now, but I still have my moments."

She adds that after the most recent flooding another big impact has been on her finances, with her home insurance almost doubling to over £1,000.

Sally Breeze was visited by the then Prince of Wales when her property on the estate in Catcliffe was flooded in 2007

Scott Purser, another resident of the flood-hit estate in Catcliffe, says the effect of the events in October 2023 has also been felt keenly by him and his young family.

Two years ago, they all had to be moved from their home on Sheffield Lane at five o'clock in the morning.

Mr Purser says his six-year-old daughter, who is autistic, still vividly remembers that time.

"She remembers losing all her toys and then having to get ready for school each morning from a hotel room," he says.

"Whenever it rains, she panics and asks, 'daddy, is it flooding again?'"

These two pictures of California Drive, above in 2023 and below in 2025, show how people have been able to move back into their homes after having to use caravans while their homes were renovated

The flooding in Catcliffe two years ago has spurred on many local residents to make sure they can help out if those events are ever repeated.

Back in 2023, there were four volunteer flood wardens offering advice and support to local residents. Now, that number has swelled to 14.

Jess Smith, who heads the group, says the community has shown a desire to take "more ownership".

"People realise we all have a role to play in this and to support each other," she says.

The wardens, who have been trained by Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency, have worked to "improve communication channels", Ms Smith says.

A WhatsApp group and a private Facebook group have been set up, while a list has also been compiled of "hard to reach" and "vulnerable" people who might need extra support should there be flooding.

"It's making sure the right information is provided at the right time," Ms Smith explains.

"We've found people before were very anxious and spreading misinformation," she says.

Several people have volunteered to become community flood wardens in Catcliffe since the events of October 2023

Rotherham Council says that since 2023, it has committed to investing millions of pounds in flood alleviation in the area, including building a new pumping station.

Sam Barstow, Rotherham Council's assistant director for community safety and street scene, says the authority is "committed to reducing the risk of future flooding".

"We're investing £6m in a major flood alleviation scheme, which includes replacing the bridge on Treeton Lane," he says.

"The new bridge will improve the flow of the River Rother and help prevent future flooding."

The bridge is expected to take three to five years to complete.

The new pumping station will "manage surface water more effectively", while CCTV cameras will be installed to monitor water levels, the council says.

Inflatable Aqua Packs have also been distributed around the community as compact alternatives to sandbags, the spokesperson adds.

An Environment Agency spokesperson says: "We know flooding has had a devastating impact on the communities of Catcliffe and Treeton.

"We are working in close partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to develop options to further reduce risk in the area."

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