Shops were submerged with dirty water (Image: Getty Images)
The South Wales Valleys were left devastated over the weekend as Storm Bert wreaked havoc on homes and businesses.
Pontypridd’s Mill Street was hit for the second time in four years, with “dirty river water” flooding shops and businesses. Zucco Cafe owner, Enrico Orsi, likened the scene to the Titanic as he he frantically tried to protect his cafe from the floodwaters.
In 2020, the street also bore the brunt of , which caused severe damage to businesses across the town. Despite the heartbreak, the community is rallying together, urging people to support local businesses in the lead up to .
While it may take some time to rebuild the town centre, residents are determined to do everything they can to help their community. They’re encouraging everyone to visit the town centre during the festive season to make a difference.
Several videos have surfaced showing the extent of the storm’s destruction. Author Sarah Phelps shared a video revealing how Storyville Books, a local bookstore, was ruined by the floods in less than a day.
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Please Help Booktok – little UK Welsh bookshop devastated by flooding @Storyville_Books
Just last week, the shop was bustling with stocked shelves and a beautiful children’s reading area. Now, the stock has been destroyed and covered in “dirty river water”.
The Lost Boys Club Barbers also showcased dramatic scenes as water gushed into the establishment. Its owner, Josh Downes, took to social media to open up about the ordeal, declaring he has seen his business “fall many times before”, yet remains resolute to rally back.
In an overwhelming display of resilience common among the local traders, the plea to the community is clear. They need support to get back on their feet on the run-up to Christmas.
Martha’s Homestore posted: “Thank you to all who have messaged to ask how things are. We are pulling together as a community to help each other’s businesses to clean up. This can never happen again.
“The best way you can help now is to shop local this Christmas and buy from us! Order a book @storyvilleponty or get some gifts from me! So many regular customers are here helping! It’s been an amazing reaction even though it’s such an upsetting day.”
Yoga instructor James Thomas echoed this community-driven sentiment, writing: “Let’s support @storyvillepontypridd, @marthashomestore, @zuccocafe, @lostboysbarbershop this Christmas and turn a negative situation into a positive for them.”
How can you help?
If you live near, or are happy to order online, there are a number of things you can do to help the independent businesses.
- Storyville books – the store said it’s likely to be closed for the next week following the floods. You can also purchase your reads online .
- Zucco – Zucco has confirmed it will be open from today (Monday), and teas, coffees and pastries will be available.
- Martha’s Homestore – the shop has been advertising new stock and Christmas gifts online, and encourages people to visit to help local businesses to get back on their feet on the run up to Christmas. You can also .
- Lost Boys Club Barbers – business will be back open as normal from Tuesday.
- Pontypridd Nisa and Post Office – the Post Office will remain closed on Monday due to the flood damage, but hopes to re-open ASAP.