Tameside tornado: Latest images as huge job of repairing damage begins

New Year's Eve should be a time of celebration and reflection. But instead today in Stalybridge the huge task of repairing the damage caused when a tornado ripped through the town was underway.

Around 100 homes were damaged when the tornado - thought to have been the strongest in the UK for almost 20 years - struck shortly before midnight on December 27. As wind speeds reached up to 160mph gable ends came down, roof tiles were sent flying and trees and cars were smashed by falling debris.

Witnesses described trees being toppled 'like dominoes'. One woman described the storm as a 'whirlwind of madness'. Remarkably no-one was hurt.

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As of yesterday, Tameside council said 76 dangerous building act notices had been been issued, with 32 households unable to 'return to their homes until works are complete and their properties deemed safe'. On New Year's Eve workmen could be seen fixing damaged roofs as tree surgeons began clearing the debris from the storm.

Some of the worst affected streets were fenced off with Tameside Council signs reading 'Closed for repair' on display.

On Saturday Oliver Jones, 35, Calico Crescent in Carrbrook, one of the most most badly hit areas, described the damage done to his house. He said: "The rear elevation has gone. There's a hole in the roof.

"The patio doors need replacing. My new patio has gone, -I only had that done two months ago. All the top stones have gone. My house will need redecorating.

"My window blew up into my face. We have been allowed to stay. The insurance company are coming on Sunday, but I need a new roof."

In a statement on Saturday Tameside council leader Ged Cooney said: "Our