Flood victims to get help and visit from Prince Charles

Sep 11 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

BUSINESSES left devastated by the region’s weekend floods were told last night that emergency financial help is on the way as they embark on the difficult road to recovery.

Regional development agency One NorthEast is finalising a support package for businesses which have been forced to shut down by the severe flooding.

Delivered locally by the Business Link organisation, the package will be available to stricken small businesses and shopkeepers in Morpeth and other parts of the region to help them get up and running again.

Last night, One NorthEast would not confirm claims that about £500,000 will be made available, although it did say the financial package will be a six-figure sum and the aim will be to get the money out to businesses as quickly as possible.

It hopes to reveal full details of the package this morning, together with information for businesses on how they can access support.

And last night it was also announced that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit the town tomorrow to speak to residents and emergency services about the floods.

Yesterday, almost 20 businesses in Morpeth town centre – the community worst-affected by the weekend floods – remained closed because of the damage wreaked when the River Wansbeck burst its banks on Saturday.

Jane Walker, whose Northumbria Mountain Sports shop was among those hit at the weekend, said she expects to be closed for two months.

"I have been told it will take about six weeks for the stonework to dry out and then I will have to get re-fitted. I have lost about £20,000 worth of stock. I have heard nothing yet about any financial help from the Government, but I would certainly welcome it."

Next door, the historic Chantry building, which houses the town’s tourist information centre and space for 60 small craft producers and businesses, is not expected to reopen in time for the busy Christmas season.

One NorthEast is assessing the type of businesses hit by the floods, and the extent of the damage, to see what support can be given. It is also in contact with Yorkshire Forward, which last year helped more than 1,500 small businesses and 70 larger companies to recover from severe flooding.

In a letter to One NorthEast chief executive Alan Clarke, floods recovery minister John Healey said he welcomed the promise of help and support for businesses in the region.

Last night, Chris Pywell, One NorthEast’s head of strategic economic change, said: "The response to the floods is very much a partnership approach, and it is Castle Morpeth Council, Northumberland County Council and Business Link North East who are out on the ground with us, helping affected businesses.

"We are playing a co-ordinating role and are working with Business Link and our other partners to ensure support is delivered swiftly to those businesses who need it at a time of great hardship."

Today, shadow floods minister Anne McIntosh will visit Morpeth to see the impact on residents and businesses and the recovery procedures put in place.

A flood information point has been set up in Morpeth Town Hall, and Castle Morpeth Council is asking flood-hit residents to get in touch so that they can be matched with various offers of help.

In addition, the Leeds Building Society has set up a flood relief appeal in conjunction with the Morpeth and Ashington Lions Clubs to invite over-the-counter contributions to help the hundreds of people hit by last weekend’s weather.