Flood-hit businesses open up after months of hard slog Evesham Journal Thursday 15th November 2007

Evesham's recovery from the July floods took a major step forward this week as two businesses re-opened and a third relocated to new premises.

The revival was welcomed by Lew Hammond, the Market Town Partnership manager, who said it marked a significant milestone in the town's recovery.

Speaking at an open day hosted by Sally-Ann Tarver at the Cotswold Trichology Centre in Port Street, he said "The town is getting back on its feet a lot faster this time than it did following the floods nine years ago. It is great news for the traders and the people of Evesham to see these businesses up and running again."

Sally-Ann, who had to be rescued by a fire and rescue service boat from her first floor flat above the business, said "I am just glad to be up and running again. Thanks to a local hairdresser I was able to continue operating while work was carried out at the premises, but it is nice to be back in my own consulting room."

She was joined at the opening by Vernon Powell, chairman of the Vale of Evesham Commerce and Tourism Association, who cut the ribbon to officially open the premises, and David Noyes, the chairman of the Market Town Partnership.

On Tuesday evening a champagne reception for friends and regular customers maked the return to business of Italian restaurant Olivino which officially reopened its doors to a full house last night.

Pavarotti lookalike Barry Long greeted guests including next door neighbour Mayor Alan Booth and his wife Carolyn and a guitarist strummed away during the course of the evening.

Owners Ronald and Nihan Gijsel are now gearing up for Christmas but have put up a selection of photographs of the floods to serve as a reminder of the devastation which cost more than £100,000 to clear before they could reopen.

"It has been a long time but we are just glad to be open again before Christmas," said Ronald. "The early signs are good and we are optimistic that many of our customers will return."

Business grows again after flood

Specialist hair treatment is back in Evesham as another business gets back on its feet after July's floods.

Sally-Ann Tarver, the only trichologist in the Midlands, offers advice and treatment as well as a range of ladies wigs and hair additions at the Cotswold Trichology Centre, which re-opens today after the building was ravaged by water.

Ms Tarver said: "July was looking like being a stunning month for me before the floods struck, but now I'm looking forward to getting back to it."

Every day is different and you never quite know what is wrong with a person when they walk through the door. It's exciting to find a rare condition and I enjoy the gratitude you get for helping people feel normal again.

Interest has flooded in from as far afield as Spain, Holland and Australia, from clients suffering from hair loss or thinning, alopecia, people going through chemotherapy, as well as conditions like eczema and dandruff.

Ms Tarver, president of the Trichology Society, said "The interest is very flattering. It's not like working, I never have the going to work feeling and I love being able to come in and sit down and talk to people."

The four month lay-off has given Ms Tarver the opportunity to give the centre a makeover and she is looking forward to getting back to business.

"I'm very grateful to the builders Desert Oak, who were fantastic and did everything for me and Hair Works for letting me work there in the past few months, it's going to feel quite lonely going back in on my own." she added.