Story: Irshad Akbar
As Sheffield returns to normality,businesses around the Wicker are still cleaning up and it could be months before they are trading normally again. Some may not reopen.
For some it is just a case of cleaning up and starting afresh. For others the devastation is colossal. Restaurants and takeaways on the Wicker have been badly affected and there is widespread anger that so little help has been provided. One owner, who did not want to be named, said that he had approached the council on the day after the flood to see what help was available for disposing of contaminated foodstuff. The council’s response was that it had to be removed that evening and if it was not, they could impose penalties. He felt the council were very unhelpful and he had to make alternative arrangements that cost him a lot of time and money. Similar stories were heard from other restaurant owners.
The whole of the ground floor of the South Yorkshire Afro Caribbean Enterprise Centre (SYAC) was inundated. Tom Brookes, the centre manager, said that “Digital Print” had recently acquired state of the art equipment costing £500,000. All the equipment and stock has been ruined. He could not see how they could start up again. Another businessman said he had just collected a delivery of stock for one of his clients. It was all ruined. Yorkshire Forward is investing up to £1 million to help businesses affected by flooding. A small business recovery scheme has been set up to provide up to £2,500 per company for immediate recovery needs. Small businesses will need to fill in a one page form to apply.
Larger companies (employing over 250 people) will be assessed on a case by case basis to assess their specific needs. Sheffield Business Floodline (0800 915 6913) will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday until further notice for advice and assistance for businesses. The Chamber of Commerce has organised a meeting on the 31st July 2007, from 3pm to 6pm at the Victoria Hotel for all businesses affected by the flood. Additional information
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