Delight as flooded Doncaster business reopens

The spa business she had built up in the village of Fishlake was under water, a victim of the devastating floods of November 8.

But today, she and the team of beauty therapists based at the Truffle Lodge spa, on Trundle Lane, are back at work after fighting to turn things around – despite the insurance company not paying out because of a clause which excluded flooding from the cover.

The first customers returned to the venue on Wednesday evening, after a test day on Monday following a major programme of repairs since the devasting blow of the disaster.

The floods wrecked her swimming pool and hot tub. It warped the floor in her manicure and pedicure rooms.

Now they are mended, and a major clear-up carried out.

Pam said: “We’ve had a replacement floor put in. The pool had to be drained and the pump replaced. There is a new hot tub. It’s been a scramble, but we are open again in time for the deadline we decided on.

“Cleanliness has been paramount. We’ve had to leave the pool to professionals, but the beauty therapists, and relatives have all pulled together.

“I can’t say a big enough thank-you for the support I’ve been shown. The husband of one of the beauty therapists, Peter Sanders is a painter and decorator, and said he would get things sorted. He came in with his dad and father in law, and they fitted new floors and did the decorating. Without them I would not have been able to open this soon.”

She said she thought another factor the quick turn-around was there was no insurance company involvement – meaning she could get straight on with things without awaiting approval.

Pam hit the headlines when she confronted Prime Minister Boris Johnson to get him to pledge that no one would lose out financially due to what happened.

She said she was determined to help other firms and residents who were still battling to get their lives back to normal.

She has yet to start repairs on her home, which was also flooded.