Storm Ashley: North East homeowners warned of 'wild winter'

This warning, from a major roofing firm in the region, comes as new research has revealed councils across the North East have forked out thousands in compensation due to storm damage.

Flights were grounded and thousands were left without power as Storm Ashley ripped across the UK earlier this month, with 80mph winds wreaking havoc.

Wind and rain hit the North East during Storm Ashley (Image: PA MEDIA) A major North East roofing firm has ominously warned that it could just be a “taste of things to come” during the cold months – and has urged the public to prepare their property.

“Generally a storm of this size so early on in storm season is bad news,” said Dean Coombe, Managing Director of Vantage Roofing.

“It typically suggests we are in for a wild winter with multiple named storms hitting the region, and that’s why homeowners and business owners must take sensible steps now before the worst weather arrives.”

Data obtained by Vantage Roofing via Freedom of Information requests to all North East councils shows that across the region, councils have dealt with dozens of compensation claims relating to wind damage.

Bolts of lightning during Storm Ashley (Image: PA MEDIA) Durham County Council alone dealt with 26 complaints, and in one instance, the authority paid almost £3,300 to one claimant, while Sunderland City Council paid a similar amount to settle a pair of compensation claims.

This year, the roofing specialists are providing a free no-obligation roof health check.

The service is available to customers across the region, from Northumberland to Teesside, and acts as a comprehensive ‘MOT’ for your roof to ensure it is prepared to withstand the elements this winter – potentially saving them for forking out thousands in roof repairs if it is badly damaged by a storm.

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According to Dean, homeowners could also end up paying several thousand pounds this winter if they fail to act in time.

“Most roof problems appear gradually, and a free check can unearth them when they are much easier and quicker to fix,” he added.

“The most sensible step is to get your roof assessed for free now before the height of winter.”