CIVIC leaders were on hand to welcome a family firm as it reopened after the floods in speedily prepared premises in K Village, the Kendal shops, apartments and office complex.

Nigel Byrom, The Family Furnisher, opened up in the Lound Road frontage of the complex.

The firm, which has been in Kendal for 82 years, had to close its shop in Wildman Street, when the River Kent over-spilled on Saturday, Dec 5, during Storm Desmond.

The event was attended by South Lakeland District Council leader, Peter Thornton, chief executive Lawrence Conway and Kendal Town Mayor Chris Hogg.

Councillor Thornton said: “Byroms is an old Kendal family firm and I am delighted to see that they have bounced back.

“The work they have done in the time they have had to do it is outstanding and we wish them well in their new premises.

“It is great that K Village have been able to accommodate them as such short notice.

“It is important that Kendal is seen as being open for business with the tourist season approaching.”

After the floods, Lou Kendal, the owners of K Village, put out the word that they were looking to help businesses stay afloat.

Nigel and his son Aaron, the fourth generation of Byroms in the business, were the first to take them up on the special deal.

General Manager Mandy Dixon said: “It was really impressive, considering all the stress involved, how quickly Nigel and Aaron got their new unit up and running. If any other businesses want to approach us, we would be keen to help them in the same way.”