The flooding in August

VICTIMS of a flood that destroyed properties around Canonbury have been told they will have to wait until March before returning to their homes.

Neighbours in Cedar Court were evacuated when pipes burst in August and streets became submerged in 2ft of water.

They told the Tribune at the time how priceless belongings – including furniture, books, art, and family photos – had been destroyed in the flood.

A group of residents were moved to a hotel, where they spent a month, before being given more long-term accommodation.

But hopes of returning to their homes before Christmas have been dashed, as some say work on their homes had not even begun.

Sasha Donaldson, who had £15,000 worth of belongings damaged in the flood, said that the aftermath had been “managed terribly”.

She told the Tribune: “We’re in temporary accommodation now, but the work to our house is at a standstill. There’s been disputes over the insurance about the replacement value so all that old furniture is still sitting in my house. Old, wet, damaged stuff.”

Ms Donaldson added: “It’s stressful. Trying to work at the same time as sorting all this out, I’ve had to take time off. I’m just hoping they just pay out and do the work on the house. I just want to go home.”

Thames Water have said they have completed major water mains replacement across North London to mitigate future leaks and bursts. They have committed to upgrading infrastructure over the next five years.