Storm Boelo Causes £50,000 Damage to Bates Farm in Cheshire

Storm Boelo has resulted in significant damage to Bates Farm in Risley, Warrington, Cheshire, leading sisters Ali and Fiona Wilshaw to estimate a loss of £50,000. The storm brought heavy rain and winds of up to 50mph, prompting the cancellation of a planned pumpkin picking event that was expected to attract around 1,000 visitors.

The sisters reported that the storm's impact was unprecedented, with extensive destruction requiring immediate cleanup. They began their day at 05:00 GMT assessing the damage, which included obliterated vendor structures. Since taking over the farm after their father's passing in October 2023, they have faced numerous challenges.

Ali highlighted that the financial repercussions are not only from visible damages but also include hidden costs such as refunds for bookings and lost sales from vendors unable to operate. The sisters are working diligently to repair the farm's infrastructure to reopen as soon as possible, emphasizing the urgency to resume operations to mitigate further financial losses.