ANOTHER local business in Monmouth has reopened on the high street after being forced to close its doors for several months following the flooding last November.

An official reopening was held at Shiraz, a fashion, clothing and accessories shop, on September 4 at 11am. The event marked the shop’s return following the devastating flooding, with tea, coffee and biscuits served to residents before a ribbon-cutting ceremony was carried out by the Mayor of Monmouth.

Lisa Meek from Shiraz, said: “It’s been a long nine months struggling from the day of the flood.

New stock at Shiraz
New stock at Shiraz (Iliffe Media )

“We had a long fight with the insurance companies and just trying to get through day by day, wondering as to whether we would get insurance again and worrying about whether, if we did reopen, it would happen again.

“We did make the choice to come back, and we have brought in a few new lines. Hopefully, Monmouth is pleased to see what we have to offer them now.”

Alongside fashion and accessories the shop previously offered, Shiraz has extended its range with new stock, including air diffusers, bath bombs, crystals, scented candles, spell candles, lamps and more.

Shop layout of Shiraz in Monmouth
Shop layout of Shiraz in Monmouth (Iliffe Media )
More stock at Shiraz
More stock at Shiraz. (Iliffe Media )

Marion Meek, from Shiraz, said: “We have had a lot of people come in and say, it's great to have you back.

“The support is amazing in Monmouth. Monmouth is a town which pulls together.

“We were in here cleaning on the Monday after the flood, and people were poking their heads in around the door offering tea, coffee or a sandwich.

“The community of Monmouth has been great,” said Marion.

When Storm Claudia hit, the community came together to support local businesses affected by the flooding.

The owner from the Boat House Gift Shop and Gallery, Jenny Chuter, was one example of how businesses supported each other during this challenging time. While Shiraz was unable to trade from its premises on Monnow Street, its handmade earrings were sold from The Boat House Gift Shop and Gallery, alongside advertisements letting customers know the shop would be returning to the high street.

“We’re glad to be back,” added Marion.

The Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Rob Barrell, said: “We have known Marianne and Lisa for many years, and it has always been a lovely shop. We are very pleased to see them back on Monnow Street.

“Independent shops like these are the heart and soul of Monnow Street.

“I am glad to see them back open again.”

The reopening of Shiraz marks another positive step for Monmouth’s high street, as more businesses continue to reopen following the flooding last November.

The reopening has also been welcomed by regular customers, who were pleased to see another independent business return on Monnow Street. The owners now look forward to settling back into their shop on the high street while they continue to provide residents with the wide range of stock they have on offer.

Shiraz is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am until 4pm.