Flood-hit Ironbridge Gorge businesses share £60,000 grant fund

Money from the business support scheme has been dished out to 17 businesses which were affected by flooding last winter to help them recover some of the money they lost. Some of the cash will also be used by business owners to install preventative measures to help lessen the effects of any future flooding.

Traders in the area today said the cash windfall had "restored their faith" after a difficult winter.

Rising water flooded some businesses in the Gorge, and The Wharfage was closed for most of February due to the high water level on the River Severn.

Tourist attractions including the Coalport China Museum were forced to close in February as the river peaked at about 20ft above its normal level at one point during the month and residents and school pupils were advised to leave their homes and schools.

Officials at Telford & Wrekin Council assessed the individual needs of each business and considered how badly they had been affected before deciding how much money they would receive.

The Ironbridge Antiques, Arts and Crafts Centre at Dale End was one of the businesses to receive grant money.

Owner Nigel Byard said: "Living in a place like Ironbridge you become accustomed to the risk of flooding but last winter was exceptional and it was a very difficult period for all the businesses down here.

"We didn't really expect to receive any financial support as a result and we are delighted that we have been successful in our application for a share of the Government fund.

"It has restored our faith in the process of grant funding and it is very heartening that the difficulties endured by businesses in the Ironbridge area have been acknowledged by the Government."

Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin cabinet member for neighbourhood services, added: "We are very aware of the tough time that our businesses in Ironbridge went through last winter with The Wharfage being closed for most of February.

"I am delighted that we have had backing from the Government that enables us to proactively support those businesses affected.

"I hope the funding will enable businesses to install flood prevention measures as appropriate and also go some way to making up for the loss in turnover they suffered during the winter months as a result of the flooding."

The business support scheme is aimed at helping companies severely affected by the flooding that occurred across the UK between the start of December, 2013 and the end of March this year.

The scheme is operated by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and businesses who had water enter their premises or suffered a drop in trade as a result of road closures were able to apply for a share of the money.

The fund was made available to both small and medium sized businesses in the Ironbridge area to help them put recovery plans into action and contribute to the clean up costs incurred by firms.