A YORK businessman has finally reopened his hairdressing salon following the devastating Boxing Day floods - but in a different part of the city.

Tony Hookham is now working from new premises in Micklegate after his previous salon in Walmgate was hit hard during the Christmas deluge.

Mr Hookham paid tribute to the support he received from fellow businesses and customers and said he was looking forward to a new chapter.

“The floods were a hammer blow. I’d invested a substantial amount in Sharp’s premises in Walmgate and we lost everything when three feet of water swept through the salon. It’s been a tough six months as I battled to keep Sharp alive and make a living while also trying to salvage the salon and start again.

“Unfortunately it became clear that the premises on Walmgate would no longer be a viable option so I’ve had to start again. Luckily, I’ve found a great new place on Micklegate – near to where I first started Sharp 14 years ago – and I’m really looking forward to getting back to work and growing the business again,” he said.

“We hit a number of problems in rescuing the salon and that has been a lengthy process. However, I’ve also been hugely disappointed by the response to the floods from the Environment Agency.

“The measures that have followed in the aftermath have done little to give me confidence that I wouldn’t have to endure the misery of flooding again. As a result, I made the decision to move above the flood line – I can’t risk facing something like this ever again, it has been a terrible ordeal.”

He was particularly concerned at what he claimed was 'a lack of information' from the agency about future flood-defence measures, adding there was little prior warning that the Foss Flood Barrier would be raised during the floods.

Tony Andryszewski, from the Environment Agency, said: “We shared our outline plans for upgrading the defences in York and the Foss Barrier at a public exhibition in May which was well attended by the local community and businesses." He said if the barrier had remained closed river levels would have risen more rapidly, resulting in more widespread flooding.

A report had shown how the barrier’s control room was flooded and action was being taken as part of a £17 million upgrade to prevent a recurrence. “We will begin installing new pumps at the barrier in August and complete installation by the end of September."

He said: “In York, a further £45 million has been secured to upgrade York’s flood defences. This additional funding means defences will be upgraded along the Rivers Ouse and Foss in York.

“We will be sharing our plans for upgrading York’s defences and updating people on progress of the Foss barrier at an exhibition in November this year.”

Mr Hookham said: “Immediately after the floods I was deeply moved by friends, strangers and colleagues who all provided as much assistance as they could – from cleaning up and offers of equipment to fundraising and even space to work at Sharon Murphy’s Cutting Station.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for the love, compassion and friendship they have shown.”