Business Minister visits flood struck Croston

The minister for small business, industry and enterprise has been visiting Croston in Lancashire today following the floods, promising that lessons have been learned.

Published 4th Jan 2016

The minister for small business, industry and enterprise has been visiting Croston in Lancashire today following the floods, promising that lessons have been learned.

Money's going to be given out by the Lancashire County Council to businesses worst affected.

The Department for Business has provided the business recovery support package to help businesses affected by the flooding, which resulted from record rainfall during the recent storm.

This adds to the £5 million already announced by the government to help businesses in Lancashire and Cumbria affected by Storm Desmond earlier in December 2015. Small Business Minister Anna Soubry said:

“I came to Croston today to see for myself the challenges faced by business owners in the wake of the recent flooding and to listen to their concerns about a number of issues, from flood defences to the availability of insurance cover. “It’s been a devastating Christmas for many of them and it’s vital for small firms in particular to start trading again as soon as possible. The £6 million package is there to help them get back on their feet and it was great to see those that have already done so.” Anna Soubry visited businesses including Fresco Fresco, an Italian restaurant that is back up and running following flood damage, and The Wheatsheaf pub which is in the process of making repairs. The £6 million provided by the Department for Business forms part of a wider £50 million relief package announced by Communities Secretary Greg Clark, available immediately to support households and businesses.