Many flood-hit businesses in Calder Valley still shut

Severe flash floods hit Hebden Bridge and other parts of the Calder Valley in summer 2012

More than one in five businesses affected by severe flooding in a part of West Yorkshire more than four months ago remain closed.

A series of flash floods hit the Calder Valley in June and July, with a month's rainfall falling in a matter of hours.

Calderdale Council said a survey of 123 businesses hit by flooding found 27 were still not trading.

The areas worst affected are parts of Mytholmroyd, Todmorden and Hebden Bridge.

A council report said: "These areas seem to be suffering from complex multiple problems - such as, for example, absentee or remote landlords, increased insurance premiums, narrow footpaths - reducing footfall and passing trade."

Calderdale Council has said the cost of the clean-up and repair operation would total about £2.5m.

The authority has already given grants ranging from £200 to £5,000 to about 150 businesses.

That money has been used for a variety of purposes, including business promotion and installing flood defence barriers.

The council said it would be considering whether further support was needed for affected businesses.