A community affected by this week’s flooding in the north-east is pulling together as householders and businesses try to get their lives back to normal.

The Stonehaven Business Association is meeting on Thursday night to discuss the next step in getting the town back on track.

The town was one of the worst hit areas at the weekend, with over 50 people evacuated from their homes as water levels rose to five feet in some areas.

Janine Sydenhan of the Stonehaven Business Association said: “We want to find out what practical steps we need to take to help businesses continue to run as normal.  In particular we’re looking at helping people take furniture and goods out of their premises to allow them to dry up which is key.

“A lot of shops have stock in store for Christmas time and we need to get that stock protected in locked up areas.

A support centre is being set up for individuals and businesses that have been affected by the floods from next Tuesday.

Ms Sydenham added: “What happened on Sunday night was particularly traumatic for those concerned and it really has brought together a lot of people, there’s a lot of community support here.”

Some businesses are expecting to be out of their premises for three to six months. Alternative premises are being sought with help from the local council.

Gillian Walker who runs a Cleaning and Ironing service in the town had her premises flooded and lost three vehicles in the deluge.

She said: “It has devastated everything. The shops have been ripped apart. It was bad enough when it was happening but the aftermath has actually been worse. I had no idea the damage the water would cause could be so devastating.”

Gillian has tried to keep the ironing business ticking over by converting her bedroom into temporary premises.

Businesses in the area were boosted when the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) announced it would make interest free loans available to companies in the north east of Scotland who had been affected.

The FSB yesterday confirmed it had opened its £500,000 disaster recovery fund and that members in the area would be able to apply for interest free loans of up to £5,000.

The cash will be allocated so firms can use to help repair their premises and keep their businesses going.

Residents in the coastal town are keeping their spirits raised by pressing on with its Real Ale Festival which kicks off on Thursday evening.