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More Morpeth flood victims back to work

Micro businesses forced out of their premises by flooding in September have begun trading again at their new base.

Businesses based in Morpeth’s Chantry Building had to leave due to the floods earlier this year, but have now been given temporary stalls at the Town Hall. Around 55 businesses resumed their activities on Monday.

One of these is Sheila Chicken whose hand painted china business has been operating for over 25 years. She was one of the first businesses to trade from the Chantry but has not done so since the deluge on 6 September. She said: “The Chantry was my only outlet and although I didn’t lose anything of great value I’ve not been able to work since the place was flooded.

“To be honest I wasn’t sure how long I’d be out of action but the business support team has moved quickly to get an alternative venue sorted out and it’s great to be trading again.”

Chantry Manager, Sue Jordan thanked stallholders and staff for their efforts in transferring the crafts and Tourist Information Centre to a “wonderful new home” at Morpeth Town Hall, saying: “The Chantry plays a vital part in the local economy and its closure has impacted on all its small businesses and hundreds of customers.

“We hope the move to the Town Hall will kick start things, opening up opportunities to reach new customers and bring new visitors to the town, making it a profitable Christmas for all of our craftworkers and artists.”

Ailsa Coverdale, Regeneration and Partnerships Manager with Castle Morpeth Borough Council, who chairs the Economic Recovery Group established to help local businesses get trading again, added: “We still have a long way to go but many of our flooded businesses are back trading again.

“We need people to know this and to come and buy goods to help our local companies through this difficult period so that they can go in to the new year with confidence.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .