Flooded businesses still closed

Floodwaters surround local shops in the centre of Hebden Bridge after torrential downpours during the summer Credit: John Giles/PA Wire

More than a fifth of businesses are still closed after devastating summer floods in the Calder Valley.

More than 250 businesses around Hebden Bridge were affected by the deluge which first came in June, followed by another flood in July. Millions of pounds worth of damage was caused to homes and businesses.

Now though, the long term effects of the summer's downpours is being felt by one in five businesses in the area.

Calderdale council, which carried out a survey into how shops and restaurants have recovered from the flooding, found 22 per cent of those questioned remained closed.

Council officers say parts of the flood-hit areas have been "very badly hit or are struggling to find sufficient footfall to sustain trade".

Next week, council leaders will be asked to consider giving extra help to those businesses still struggling to get back on their feet, although grants of between £200 and £5,000 have already been handed out to some.