The quick-thinking of a dedicated member of staff prevented a major flooding disaster at a Harrogate charity yesterday (Monday).
As the rain poured down over the May Bank Holiday weekend, Elaine Wright decided it would be wise to check on the Wellspring Therapy & Training building at 78 High Street in Starbeck, in case it was in danger of flooding.
To her horror, Elaine, accompanied by her husband Ian, discovered water had poured into the Garden Room and the downstairs basement area, causing extensive damage. It is likely this part out of building will now be out of action for months.
Nick Garrett, the interim chief executive of Wellspring, said:
“Thanks to the foresight, heroics and commitment of Elaine, a major disaster has been averted. Had she not checked, it is likely the flood damage could have affected the whole building.
"That would have severely comprised all our counselling sessions, with devastating results. As it is, we will be able to carry on as normal, although some training sessions which are normally held in the basement will have to be relocated."
Nick added:
"Thankfully a water pump helped to contain the damage, but if it continues to rain heavily, we are vulnerable to further flooding.
“We are now busy drying out the whole affected area, assessing the damage, working out short-term prevention measures and sourcing new locations for bookings in the Garden Room and basement.
“Whilst our building is a key asset it’s worth reflecting that our amazing staff are what makes Wellspring Therapy &Training such a fantastic organisation.
"We owe a huge debt of thanks to Elaine – she had the foresight to walk up from her home nearby to check on our building on Bank Holiday Monday.
“She found it flooded and immediately rang me and Paul Tinsley, our Operations Manager. She then, together with her husband Ian and Paul, spent hours cleaning up all the flood damage. I can’t thank them all enough.”
Wellspring’s counselling sessions are unaffected.
The well-respected charity provides affordable short and long-term private counselling for the Harrogate and district community, relieving the huge burden on the NHS.
Elaine said:
“As soon as I saw the rain, I said to my husband we need to get round to Wellspring double quick.
"The flood damage was awful, but we managed to stop it getting worse. I’m so glad we can stay open.”
Wellspring offers affordable long-term, open-ended counselling where needed. This type of therapy is not currently widely available from the NHS.
Looking ahead, Wellspring hopes to be able to counsel 220 clients by the end of next year, building on the 170 now on the charity’s books.
CCTV appeal after e-bike stolen from shed in Harrogate
Newby Hall near Ripon to feature on BBC tonight
New campaign encourages wedding goes to 'give the gift of Harrogate'
Harrogate Town launches new home shirt
Appy Days: Your Harrogate app users given chance to win £1,000
Transport boss denies blocked gullies to blame for Knaresborough floods
Harrogate team take on Ringway Challenge to support homeless charity
9-year-old boy raises funds for Harrogate disability charity
Great Knaresborough Bed Race to revert to old timing system
£150,000 boost for farmers' health and wellbeing
Harrogate home care service helps reduce elderly hospital admissions
Transparency row overshadows Ripon's mayor-making ceremony
Premier League clubs to meet in Harrogate to consider scrapping VAR
Council to reinstate Harrogate street sign… with its apostrophe
Driver of overturned lorry on A1(M) tests positive for drugs
Construction underway for new retirement community in Knaresborough
Knaresborough's Lauren Doherty featured in national newspaper
First look inside new fine dining restaurant at Rudding Park
Henshaws raises record-breaking £26,000 at Beer Festival
Local MP calls for more assistance for Knaresborough flood victims
