Storm damage clean-up continues for hens group

A clean-up operation is under way after a community organisation was hit by Storm Doris.
Storm damage at Lucky Hens RescueStorm damage at Lucky Hens Rescue
Storm damage at Lucky Hens Rescue

Strong winds and heavy rain hit the borough on Thursday, blowing down trees and damaging property.

Lucky Hens Rescue North West, in Amberswood, was among the sites affected by the storm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The community interest organisation rescues caged hens and finds new homes for them.

Director Alison Thorpe said: “All the boundary fence snapped. I have ordered new fencing and fence posts. Our weekend was spent replacing that. It’s gone everywhere.

“Everything will have to be replaced. It was on the agenda to do in the next year or so, but we have had to act quickly.”

She has so far spent £400 replacing half of the fence, but still needs to buy the rest.

And there was more damage due to the storm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The gazebo roof lifted off and ripped to shreds,” Mrs Thorpe said.

“The gazebo itself looks okay but it was a good quality one, but I need a new cover and that will be about £100.”

Tiles were also blown off the roof of a shed.

Fortunately no animals escaped during the storm.

But it was another setback for Lucky Hens, which has had a difficult time recently due to restrictions to prevent the spread of avian flu.

It is currently unable to rehome hens due to the restrictions, which means it does not have an income from the new owners.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While the restrictions ease for many poultry owners from today, they remain in place for Lucky Hens because it is in an area classed as being of higher risk.

And the Government has said the measures are likely to be in place until at least the end of April.

Mrs Thorpe said: “It’s a nightmare, it’s an absolute nightmare. This could go on all year.”

She does not know when she will be able to start rehoming hens again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mrs Thorpe said: “We have to keep our spirits high and just hope and pray that we can start rescuing properly again soon. It’s so frustrating.

“On average we save 350 birds every four to six weeks. It’s upsetting.”

Mrs Thorpe opened a fund-raising shop in Hindley earlier this month to boost funds.

It has already proved to be such a success that she is looking for a bigger premises.

She is also asking for donations to help cover costs.

Information about how to give is available online at luckyhensrescuenorthwest.weebly.com/chickens-in-need.html