BUSINESSES and residential properties hit by the Boxing Day floods are continuing on the long road to recovery.

One high profile victim of the devastating waters was popular nightspot The Boathouse, which overlooks Roberts Park from Saltaire riverbank by the footbridge.

Yesterday, owner Jas Bhatt revealed the full extent of damage caused when the River Aire burst in.

"It's a big job and will need a complete refit, but we we hope to be open by the end of May.

"It's not ideal timing, but that's just how it is. We're now in the third of five weeks of drying out before work can really start," said Mr Bhatt, who took over the bar six years ago.

"Our insurers have been pro-active and because everything will be replaced on a like-for-like basis we can't go silly and change too much, but there will be some general tweaks.

"Our staff are all still employed and we all look forward to welcoming back our customers and may have a special opening night for all those involved in coping with the floods," Mr Bhatt said.

Bradford and Bingley Sports Club suffered three successive floods as the Aire repeatedly broke its banks over Christmas, but treasurer Nick Patterson said it is now on the brink of normality.

"We've not actually served a pie yet, but hopefully the kitchen catering should be ready by the weekend.

"The tiled floor has been taken up and relaid, all the kit is in there and just needs to be connected up," Mr Patterson said.

Work completed so far estimated to be worth £50,000, but he said thanks to club members' and supporters' generosity, the real cost was about a tenth that figure.

"We've only had to pay out about £5,000 as everyone had given their labour free and lots of replacement equipment was just given to us.

"And what really touched us is how people who had nothing to do with the club just turned up to help.

"Lots of random people said they'd lend a hand - and then actually did - which gobsmacked us."

A fundraising event with local rock band Blue Star Tattoo takes place at the Wagon Lane club on Saturday, February 20.

In Esholt, new arrivals Alan and Angela Broadhead were hit twice by the floods soon after moving into their new home in Chapel Lane and the Boxing Day flood came just days after all their furniture was delivered from Singapore where they lived previously.

"It's been drying out and now they're starting work on replacing the floors and skirting boards so it will probably be another month until we get sorted, but we're coping," Mrs Broadhead said.

Bingley hair and beauty salon Liberties & Co was flooded out and owner Emma Harrison said a Valentine's fundraising party at the Bankfield Hotel this weekend was nearly fully booked.

"We've sold about 230 tickets and its going to be a brilliant Saturday night with live bands, singers, competitions and loads of fun to cheer everyone up," she said.

"We are hoping to be back in our salon by the end of February - fingers crossed," she said.