Businesses in the flood-damaged village of Stamford Bridge are considering a flamboyant street party to win back customers after a period of enforced closure.

Pete Long, left, and Martin Long, of JP Hardware shop, in Stamford Bridge, talk to Paul Readshaw, of East Riding of Yorkshire Council

This was one of the measures discussed at a meeting designed to help shopkeepers rebuild their shattered trade once the physical marks of the flood have been repaired.

Peter Cotes, who runs The Little Oven, in The Square, Stamford Bridge, fears it could take weeks before work on his ruined property even begins because of wrangling between two insurance companies.

He said: "It just seems the two insurance companies are at loggerheads and I find it hard to take when the other three businesses in this block have got work in progress and I'm still waiting for the go-ahead.

"But I'm looking to the future and I need to start thinking about how I'm going to get my customers back once I'm up and running." Representatives from banks, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Business Link were present at the meeting, held last night at The Corn Mill in Stamford Bridge.

Hilary Saynor, councillor for Stamford Bridge, who organised the meeting, said: "It is the smaller people like the butcher and baker we are concerned about.

"I asked Business Link along because they can't produce money, but they can point people in the right direction to get help such as business rate suspension and access to small grants.

"Marketing is also important because many of these businesses are having to start again from scratch to win back their customers." Some businesses will be able to apply for hardship relief on their business rates which could entitle them to a reduction or in some cases complete suspension of the charge once they have provided proof of loss of income.

And in the longer term, owners were encouraged to seek the help of the Business Link Gateways based in Goole, Beverley and Bridlington as an access point for all business needs.

If anyone has offers of ideas or help towards the possibility of a grand opening or street party in the town, they are encouraged to contact Hilary Saynor on 01759 371429.

Appeal launched

An appeal to York residents to help the victims of the recent floods in Ryedale was launched in the city today.

Money will be collected at the city finance centre, in Library Square, York, between 8.30am and 5pm on weekdays for the next month.

The appeal will be aimed at helping people affected by flooding throughout the Ryedale District Council area, including householders whose lives were drastically affected when the River Derwent burst its banks.

But the money will not go to the victims of the floods in Stamford Bridge and Elvington because they do not fall within the Ryedale area.

Donations can be made in cash or by cheque or debit card and will go directly to the Ryedale Flood Relief Fund which is handling the distribution of aid.

Councillor Rod Hills, leader of City of York Council, said: "We are confident that the people of York will respond generously to this important appeal and help our neighbours in Ryedale."

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