A BUSINESS owner has spoken of the “incredible” support shown by kind-hearted volunteers who rallied around to help in the wake of devastating flooding.
Hub 26, a business and lifestyle centre in Cleckheaton, was deluged with floodwater on Sunday as Storm Ciara ripped through the district.
Many towns and villages were hit by the torrential downpours and fierce gales, leaving businesses and homeowners counting the cost.
It’s estimated the damage to Hub 26 will amount to more than £100,000 and these pictures show the scale of the flooding.
“The community of Cleckheaton is amazing and something to behold,” said Daniel Potticary, who opened Hub26 in Hunsworth Lane with co-owner Amanda Castle three years ago.
He added: “We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the astonishing support we have been given.
“They helped us to save our business and we can’t thank them enough.”
Within half an hour of Amanda posting pictures on social media of the ground floor gym under 12 inches of water, more than 50 local people turned up to help.
“Some of our amazing members, as well as people we have never met before, came to our rescue, many of them bringing equipment to help drain, dry and clean as much as possible,” Daniel said.
“One woman came on crutches, hanging on to a mop and bucket, while another arrived at 6am, saying she could only stay for an hour as she had to go to work.
“A couple spent five hours squeezing floodwater out of a carpet. It was just incredible.”
Volunteers included electricians, plumbers and a drainage expert who helped to make sure the premises remained safe.
All electrically powered gym equipment was put out of action, but a ground floor lounge was protected by sandbags.
Daniel believes the water burst out of a beck which runs under the centre’s car park, which “almost exploded under enormous pressure”.
He hopes to re-open the gym within a few weeks.
The Met Office said another named weather system - Storm Dennis - is set to bring more very wet and windy weather at the weekend.
Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale said: “Another spell of very wet and windy weather is expected for Saturday.
“Although Storm Dennis is currently not expected to be as severe as Ciara, disruption is still likely.”
Meanwhile, the Government has activated an emergency financial aid package for areas devastated by Storm Ciara.
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