Flood-hit businesses struggle to stay afloat

By Avril Ormsby

GLOUCESTER (Reuters) - It was not the grand opening manager Glen Tanswell had in mind for his new bar and restaurant.

The lack of mains water supply as a result of flooding in Gloucester meant that portable toilets had to be brought in for customers at The Grill.

He has closed his other restaurant in the city, Bearlands, and his cheese shop, Gloucester's Finest, until the water is switched back on, which could take up to two weeks.

"We all hear about the houses, but for the people who need the jobs there is no help," he said. "It has cost me 20,000 pounds to set up The Grill. If the water is not back on within two weeks, I will be bankrupt."

Some hotels are unable to provide showers and have turned visitors away at a cost of thousands of pounds. Restaurants have closed their doors because of a lack of water to wash up.

"I do not want to take the custom," said Nicki Neocleous, owner of Nicki's hotel and restaurant. "How can I ask if a guest had a good night? I was unable to give him a shower, I did not provide a toilet and I couldn't cook them breakfast."

The Three Choirs Festival is due to be held in Gloucester in early August. Neocleous is fully booked with guests in his 25-bed hotel and is praying the water is turned back on in time.

"I will lose 15,000 pounds over two weeks, but who will compensate me?"