First email of the week was a request from a local community group for the loan of an industrial dehumidifier because they’re struggling to get their building dry enough.I must also doublecheck whether there are any people not able to live in their own homes who are struggling (eg to feed themselves) wherever they’re staying.

Then I was part of a meeting with a Government Business Minister in Mytholmroyd. Just going there reminds me of how devastating the floods were – 4 weeks on, looking at the back of the Tourist Agency’s old building that’s falling into the river. I’d asked local people what they wanted me to say so I made certain that I said it – starting with insurance for small businesses, helping with funding the repair (and restocking) their businesses, and doing the work on the infrastructure (eg the drains in Market St). She did specifically ask about the shops etc in Hebden Bridge and we also talked about getting back on our feet and plans for the Christmas party in June !

Helpfully, she talked about the flexibility in the use of the current government funding and ideas about longer-term help. Let’s see what happens but we must keep pressing our case !

Tomorrow is the first (preparatory) meeting of the Flood Commission of which I shall be a member.

And there’s a Business breakfast in Hebden Bridge Town Hall, and then I’m hoping to talk with some local business people about the developing plans for re-launch events (like the Christmas party in June !)

Thursday evening, there’s a public meeting about Floods in Todmorden Town Hall (6.30 for 7pm) organised by the local flood group.