Walsall shop reopens after flood ordeal
A business in Walsall has opened its doors again after being closed for almost two months when a flood destroyed stock and fittings.
The You Wear It Well lingerie shop, in Leamore, was left covered in sewage following a drainage problem at a nearby property over Christmas.
The business specialises in mastectomy wear and was launched by breast cancer survivor Joyce Davis in 2011.
It cost her £7,000 in repairs and replacement items but she also enlisted the help of Walsall Council to help open again this week.
Council staff offered her support and advised her of the best route to take to get back on track.
The 55 year-old said: "It was heartbreaking and the smell was appalling. The stench even made its way on to receipts and papers in the shop. It was disgusting.
"I have had to replace everything and have been up to my eyes dealing with the insurance and repairs.
The mother-of-three from Bloxwich said: "The shop is so much more than a shop. It offers support for women coping with all stages of treatment and surgery and also provides support for their husbands and partners who often accompany them.
"Customers can have a coffee and a chat and have the opportunity to talk to others in exactly the same boat, which is so important. I also work closely with nurses from the Manor Hospital."
Joyce was prompted to open You Wear It Well Lingerie after undergoing treatment for breast cancer and becoming aware of the dilemma facing many women who want to find suitable underwear.
She received help from the Think Walsall business support team to access funding via a Start-Up Grant of £750.
