We decided that rather than slinking away, which could have been a temptation for many small businesses, we would bring our expansion plans forward

Angela Walledge, Walledge Agency

Jeweller John Clark has two shops on either side of the River Ouse. Both have been elegantly refurbished in a move to take the shops upmarket and expand their product range.

"It's been a fresh start," said Mr Clark. "We were determined to take the businesses forward as a result of this disaster."

Bill's Produce Store on Cliffe High Street has reopened complete with a new cafe. The change was already under way before the floods struck, but closure gave owners Bill and Rebecca Collison the chance to do the work properly.

Reopening for business

And across the road, New Penny Boutiques has reopened this week. "We want to bring the heart back into the street, making it live again as a community and a shopping area," said owner John West.

Angela Walledge's marketing business had to set up in her home

"We want to make our businesses look better than they were - it is like a rebirth really."

Angela Walledge's marketing business had to set up in her home after its premises were flooded. They are still being rebuilt, but in the meantime she has taken new offices on higher ground at Ringmer, a couple of miles outside Lewes.

"We decided that rather than slinking away, which could have been a temptation for many small businesses, we would bring our expansion plans forward," she said.

Staffing has increased from four to a dozen, and business has also trebled. The agency has added a public relations arm and a web design studio.

But while such short-term recovery has been impressive, the future still remains uncertain.

Help needed

Submissions have been made to the government about what can be done to mitigate the effects of flooding and a strategic report is due out at the end of the year. But the traders of Lewes are not holding their breath.

Jeweller John Clark, who has been at the forefront of a campaign for action, is worried that the report will be put on the backburner.

"I know that unless the people of Lewes start writing letters, jumping up and down and lobbying any way they can, this won't happen," he said.

Jane North of the Brighton and Hove Enterprise Agency is also disappointed at the silence from the authorities.

"A very little money goes a long, long way in terms of advising and guiding small businesses - working with the Environment Agency - to make sure that small businesses are aware of the flood warning system," she said.

"People round here are still not happy and not confident that there is an effective warning system."

While businesses have shown resilience and fortitude in getting back on their feet, many are concerned that the must rely on help and funding from outside agencies to ensure they have a secure future.