AROUND 600 small and medium sized businesses in Calderdale which suffered flooding by Storm Ciara will be eligible for some grants released by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership into a £2 million recovery fund.

Calderdale is a part of the region and the LEP will work with both West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in which the borough also plays a leading role, and Calderdale Council itself to set up the fund.

About 600 business were affected with the majority being small to medium sized firms specialising in retail, leisure and tourism – many of which were unable to insure their businesses following the Boxing Day floods in 2015.

Emergency grants of up to £2,500 are available to help businesses cover short term costs such as replacing critical equipment, dehumidifying their premises and carrying out urgent repairs so they can get back on their feet quickly, says the LEP.

For businesses which have been hit harder, larger grants of up are available to help refurbish damaged premises and replace larger equipment such as machinery.

LEP chairman Roger Marsh said: “It’s devastating to see the scale of damage in Calderdale and I can only imagine how heart-breaking it must be for those business owners and employees who have been affected.

“SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy and it’s vital that we work with our partners to help get the community back on its feet and open for business as soon as possible,” added Mr Marsh, who is also chairman of the Halifax Piece Hall Trust.

Leader of Calderdale Council and Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) said local businesses were an important part of Calderdale’s economy and welcomed the money being made available.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the flooding, and we are doing everything we can to support them.

“There are major impacts across Calderdale, with 600 businesses flooded throughout the borough and significant recovery efforts ongoing.

“Local businesses are a vital part of our economy and we know how awful the impacts of flooding can be for their livelihoods.

“We want them to get back up and running as quickly as possible.

“I really welcome this initial injection of funding from the Leeds City Region, which recognises the unique scale of the challenges we face.

“We urge businesses to take up the grants available and are putting in place additional staffing to manage demand and ensure we can process claims as quickly as possible,” he said.

Businesses looking for more information about the grants should e-mail business@calderdale.gov.uk for further information.

Support is also available for businesses based elsewhere in the City Region that have been affected by flooding, says the LEP, and they should contact businessgrowth@the-lep.com for more information.