THE traditional town centre of Droitwich was devastated by the 2007 summer floods, but traders have worked hard to entice shoppers back.

Many of the independent businesses backing our Buy Local campaign were directly affected by the July 2007 flood, which left the High Street cut off and eight million litres of water sloshing around the town centre.

When seven feet of water flooded the Droitwich pet shop, Happy Pets, 40 small animals drowned.

It was six months before the shop, which has traded in the town for more than 40 years, was ready to reopen.

“We were devastated by the floods,” said owner Louise Bowl, who took over the store three years ago.

“It took us six months to get back on our feet and it’s been a big problem getting people back into the High Street. It has picked up lately, but we’d still like to see more people supporting the local shops.”

Ms Bowl encouraged consumers to take advantage of what is on their doorstep.She said: “We’ve got a fair variety of independent shops in Droitwich.

“A lot of people head straight to the bigger stores thinking it’s going to be cheaper when, in reality, they are dearer.”

Droitwich, most famed for its salt reserves and brine baths, today boasts an eclectic mix of shops and pubs, as well as a regular farmers’ market in Victoria Square.Veronica Parkes opened the Day-Spa in Worcester Road just over 18 months ago.

She said: “It’s been quite variable, but considering the climate and the fact we are a brand new business, we’ve done extremely well.”

“Obviously there are ups and downs. We’ve had to work hard to get to where we are. Local people are generally very supportive. There isn’t another spa in the immediate area so we’re providing a service and I think local people appreciate that.” Elsewhere in Droitwich, shoppers can find traditional stores such as Levett and Hill Butchers, Brookside Fruit and Veg and The Secret Garden flower shop, as well as firms such as Half Price Furniture.

Chateau Impney is an imposing 19th-century hotel, proving independent traders come in all shapes and sizes.