Looking into the future as Monmouth opticians reopen after Storm devastation

MONNOW Eyecare has reopened to the community after bouncing back from the aftermath of Storm Claudia last November.

The opticians closed for several months while the business underwent a lengthy restoration process. On Tuesday, September 15, an official ribbon- cutting ceremony was held by the Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Rob Barrell to welcome the shop back, followed by a tour of the new premises. There was also a raffle, along with snacks, refreshments and gift bags for members of the community.

Mayor of Monmouth, Councillor Rob Barrell, said: “Monnow Eyecare, you are a well regarded practice providing a valuable service to the local community. In fact many residents of Monmouth know you as “the opticians”.

“Like many other businesses you were flooded-out last November, but you didn’t give up and moved to a temporary premises to carry on serving people.

“Now you have turned potential defeat into a triumph. You have renovated, repaired and even upgraded!”

Community efforts were demonstrated throughout this devastating time, with many people coming into the premises with mops and buckets to help clean up the sleet and debris left behind after the storm. Numerous raffle items were donated by members of the public, with all proceeds from the charity raffle supporting Monmouth Flood Relief.

During the closure, the business moved to a temporary location at Singleton Court. Customers transferred to the temporary premises and stayed with the business during what was a difficult time for the team.

Owner of Monnow Eyecare, Helen Tilley, said: “It’s been really lovely to be back to a nice, clean practice after the devastation that occurred.

“The challenges were actually still providing a service for people because we provide an emergency service so we were unable to operate for six weeks.

“I was desperate to get back into a temporary accommodation to actually provide a service again. People rely on us. All that we could do was repair glasses, order contact lenses and dispense the glasses we already had in stock. We couldn’t see any emergencies.

Following the restoration process, new equipment and furniture have been installed into the opticians after some of the original items were damaged by the flooding.

“It was mainly the consulting room chairs and tables, all the electrics had gone but fortunately all the scanning equipment that we have is all above ground. We have bought more kit as times moved on,” said Helen.

“The community were amazing.”

It is positive to see the independent opticians back open once again, ready to continue serving the community from its restored premises on Cinderhill Street.