Flood hit shops are all back in business

The worst affected of the Huyton shops flooded after a water main burst in July has reopened.

Poppys Florist, on Liverpool Road, was forced to shut for three months while drying out took place, but owner Jackie Roper is now looking forward to welcoming back customers at the grand re-opening on Monday (October 31).

Poppys is one of nine shops on the parade which were affected when the water main burst earlier this year. Since then Knowsley Council and United Utilities have been working with homeowners and retailers to help them return their properties and businesses to normal.

Jackie, who specialises in funerals, weddings and gift bouquets, said: “Obviously, I am sorry the flood happened. The last few months have been difficult for me, but I feel more for the local residents.

“What I will say is that the support from United Utilities and Knowsley Council to help me get open again has been really appreciated.”

Jackie and the other Liverpool Road shopkeepers are now hoping loyal customers will return, especially in the crucial pre-Christmas trading period.

She said: “Christmas can be one of my busiest periods with families ordering for loved ones. It is normally this time of year that I also start taking orders for the next two big florist events, Valentines Day and Mothers Day, so this re-opening date is perfect.”

Fellow Liverpool Road trader, Dave Houston from Eagle Foods, said: “The floods have caused difficulties for local people and it obviously had a knock on affect on trade. But one thing that came from it was a strong sense of community and everyone pulling together to support one another.

“Now all the shops are back up and running and it is good to see our loyal local customers return.”

Liverpool Road shops offer a wide range of products and services including the butchers (Eagle Foods), hairdressers MillionHairs Cathy’s Salon, Craven’s Funeral Directors, takeaway Roy’s Supper Bar, supermarket Farm Foods, Page Moss Post Office and General Store, Weaver Carpets and law firm Mackrell & Thomas. 

Since the floods, Knowsley Council and United Utilities have provided support to the business owners to help them reopen as soon as possible, starting with providing temporary facilities while supporting the initial tidy up. United Utilities dealt with claims directly through their own insurers to avoid delays in payments and made interim payments throughout the settlement of claims. The council and United Utilities have also supported the businesses with marketing and local promotion.

Cllr Dave Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “It is good to see all the shops on Liverpool Road have now been able to resume trading after the flood. It has been a tricky time for them and the council has done its best to provide whatever help and advice we can. “

“Now we hope that people will return to the parade and support their local shops.”

A United Utilities spokesman said: “It’s great news that Poppy’s is reopening. We’ve tried to play our part in keeping the community informed that it is now business as usual for the shops on Liverpool Road.

“Work is continuing in Huyton and we’ve set aside £7million to refurbish the pipes along Liverpool Road. Ultimately, we want to give residents and businesses the peace of mind they deserve.”

Jackie added: “I want to thank all the loyal customers who have been in touch, and hope they will all come in to see the new shop now I am back in full swing.”

Poppys Florist can be contacted on 0151 480 1479.

Jackie Roper of Poppys Florist, Liverpool Road, Huyton, is excited to be re-opening after her shop was damaged in July’s flood.