Mytholmroyd won't be beaten by the floods

Sue Ellis, who owns bed company Juna Moon, opened last Wednesday just days after floods had swept through Mytholmroyd, devastating many homes and businesses.

Juna Moon managed to escape the floods, and Sue, who lives in nearby Hebden Bridge, is now keen to see the area get back to business as soon as possible.

She said: “I’ve been very, very lucky. The little hill coming out of Mytholmroyd saved me, otherwise all my new stock would have been destroyed before I had even had the chance to open the doors.

“Others weren’t so fortunate but I’m 100 per cent confident that the area will bounce back.

“People here are so strong and resilient and have a real passion to get back on track as quickly as possible.

“I’m determined to encourage others who are thinking ‘should I still go ahead in starting a business there?’ that, yes, they should.

“It’s so important people invest in the area.

“I am not deterred by the floods and if anything it makes me more determined to make my business a success,”

Sue, who worked in the bed industry before starting her own company, is concerned that businesses may be forced to relocate after the floods, but believes Mytholmroyd will recover.

She added: “We do worry that new businesses may not come into the area because of the floods, and if insurers aren’t willing to cover these businesses, that Mytholmroyd would become a ghost town.

“But I’ve lived near here for 20 years and it’s a fantastic area.

“The spirit in the community is great and the people are so vibrant and quirky and unique.

“I want to put a positive message out there that Mytholmroyd is open for business.

“The community need to support local businesses and not stay away, most of the shops will be back in action very soon.”

Retail guru Kate Hardcastle will be officially opening the shop on Saturday, January 23 at 1pm.