A Stockport couple whose apartment block flooded on New Year's Eve say they are running out of money to pay for hotels and could become homeless if they are not allowed back home soon.

Hannah Miles and Bradley Mullen, both aged 19, have lived in Meadow Mill next to Portwood roundabout since March.

After a night out on New Year's Eve, they returned home in the early hours of January 1 to a scene of devastation as the building's car park had flooded and hundreds of people were trapped inside.

It soon became clear that Greater Manchester had been hit by intense flooding with severe damage to homes and businesses across the region.

Hannah and Bradley could do nothing but watch the events take place, and stayed out from 3am all night as they had nowhere else to go.

After an hour of sleep at Bradley's mum's house on January 2, they booked a local hotel but nearly a week later they still have no idea when they can go back to their apartment – and they could soon run out of cash.

They say their families do not have the space to accommodate them long term.

Hannah Miles, who has lived with her partner Bradley in Meadow Mill since March (Image - Jason Roberts / MEN)

Today the couple booked an AirBnB in Salford to cut back their spending, but they have nearly maxed out their credit cards and could end up on the streets when the money runs out.

"I just needed somewhere to cook and wash my clothes, we've only been able to have takeaways and we've not got the money for it," Hannah said.

"That's £60 a night [for the AirBnB] but we don't know if we'll get refunds on it. I'm very deep in my overdraft.

"We're 19, we're not that well off. We moved into the Meadow Mill apartment because we needed somewhere to live. Most of our money goes on the rent.

"I rang Stockport Homes on the weekend and they offered me and my partner to be split up and put on a sofa in a hostel room with 30 people. I just didn't think it was safe.

"I've had to get a credit card, I never needed one because I'm good with my money, but it got so desperate that I had to apply for one and use it to book the hotels."

The couple were able to go back to their flat on January 2 to collect some of their belongings, having to wade through "knee-deep" levels of water past floating post parcels at the entrance.

But they are frustrated at the lack of updates and help since New Year's Day.

Hannah's view of the Meadow Mill car park on New Year's Day (Image - Hannah Miles)

CERT, the property company managing Meadow Mill, said it "understands it is a difficult time" for residents but can not yet give a date for people to safely return.

While in hotels, Hannah and Bradley reckon they have spent nearly £400 on food and accommodation – money they just don't have.

Hannah has been able to carry on working in her job as a delivery driver, but her partner's car was caught up in the flooding outside the mill.

They say there are others from the mill in the same situation who are helping each other in any ways they can through a community WhatsApp group.

Hannah added: "People could end up homeless because of this, definitely. There are people who have started to move back into the flats with no power, no water.

"They have to go to coffee shops to charge their phones, gyms to have a shower, people are offering gym codes to make sure others can access basic needs. We've had no update since Wednesday, no one has had any other information.

"Stockport Homes are doing their best to help with the situation we were in. But we're not being told when the power is being restored or anything.

"I'm struggling, I can't lie. The fact that every day I wake up and we've got no update, we're probably going to have to book another night.

"But what can we do? We can't go to a place with no power. How are we supposed to charge our phone or have a shower?"

Residents of Meadow Mill were trapped on New Year's Day following floods (Image - SWNS)

A CERT spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We understand it is a difficult time for residents whose lives have been disrupted by this extreme weather event.

"We have been informed by the freeholder that utility operatives have been on site throughout the weekend with the objective of restoring power and water at the site.

"The freeholder has also brought in a specialist consultant to manage the recovery process. We are further advised that ⁠⁠replacement of essential electrical and water equipment has been assessed by the manufacturers on site this morning and the specialist consultants are coordinating supply and installation.

"They are working with their appointed electrical and mechanical contractor and are developing a solution to hopefully bring a temporary electric supply to the building with generators as soon as possible.

"Due to the extensive work required to the damaged areas and plant, the freeholder has not been given a timeline for completion.

"We have been updating leaseholders / landlords and their agents and it is our intention to continue to send them regular updates.

"Any Meadow Mill tenants are advised to contact their letting agent or landlord for further updates."

Residents trapped in Meadow Mill were evacuated later on New Year's Day (Image - SWNS)

Intus Lettings, the company responsible for renting Hannah and Bradley's apartment, added: "We have communicated with all our tenants any and all updates shared with us by the block manager and freeholder however at this time we have not been provided with a timescale for these works and getting the residents back into the building.

"We are very concerned about this situation for all parties and hope that it is resolved efficiently and as quickly as possible.

"I can also confirm that all Intus tenants have been contacted individually via email and a phone call to advise them regarding their rent, as this is not payable by tenants whilst the apartments are uninhabitable, and to also confirm that they are safe.

"We have asked any of our tenants to contact us if they are struggling or need further assistance during what is a very difficult and stressful time for all parties."

Stockport Homes was contacted for comment.

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