They knocked on doors and told those inside to leave. Anxious and in disbelief, residents fled their homes.
The location sits in 'flood zone three', meaning it is currently deemed to be an area of significant risk of flooding. Alison Hunt, environmental officer for West Didsbury Residents Association, says people are 'very, very worried'. Statements published by HS2 earlier this summer which revealed the plans suggest that, in a 'one-in-100 year' flooding event, there would be an increase in 'peak flood levels' in some areas. This includes part of Palatine Road and Northenden Golf Club, according to official documents.
"Ultimately anything built within the flood zone that would put at risk further properties that are not currently at risk... should not be allowed to happen." Coun Kilpatrick also fears 'mitigation' will be proposed by HS2 bosses which will not resolve the issue. The Manchester Islamic Grammar School for Girls will be moving to the nearby former Fielden Park college campus next month, while the Manchester Islamic Educational Trust's Prep School will follow in January, after both existing sites were sold. But that site faces the prospect of being part-demolished if the current proposals go ahead.