Cash to help Ironbridge businesses hit by last winter’s flooding
A £57,500 government pot has been divided up between 17 businesses in the Ironbridge Gorge which were adversely affected by last winter’s flooding.
The Business Support Scheme is aimed at helping those companies that were severely affected by the flooding that occurred 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. Businesses that had water enter their premises and businesses that suffered a drop in trade as a result of road closures could apply for a share of the money.
The fund was made available to both small and medium sized businesses in the Ironbridge area to enable them to implement recovery plans and contribute to the clean up costs incurred by the businesses.
Applications for funding were judged by a panel that included the private sector and businesses were able to cover the costs of flood prevention measures they used during the flood, such as pumps and sandbags.
The Ironbridge Antiques, Arts and Crafts Centre at Dale End was one of the 17 businesses that benefited.
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.
“I would like to thank Telford & Wrekin Council for successfully accessing the funding which enabled them to put together a Business Support Scheme.”
Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “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.”
