An independent estate agent affected by the devastating December floods in Yorkshire is appealing to EYE readers to help boost a fund.

Contributions of just £5 could make all the difference to the small businesses in Calderdale’s high streets, including local cafes.

The premises of Claire Sheehan Estate Agents in Hebden Bridge were flooded up to desk height from front to back, and it took a week to get the power back on.

The owner, Claire Sheehan, says it may take a couple of months to get the office properly back up and running.

A crowdfunding initiative to help the 100 or so local businesses affected by the Boxing Day floods now stands at around £138,000.

However, it needs to reach £150,000. If it fails to do so, no money will be collected or handed out.

Sheehan has written a booklet for the campaign, First Time Buyer Tips & Tricks from the Professionals.

So far, there are ten backers, each pledging £10 for their e-book copy.

Sheehan said of the crowdfunding appeal: “Businesses who have really suffered (as a result from no flood insurance, high excesses or immeasurable loss of trade) need all the extra help they can get.

“Government funds won’t match the recovery needs of the Calderdale business economy unfortunately.

“In many ways, it doesn’t feel right to ask for donations, but on the other hand we understand that any money raised could be match-funded by the Government and poured back into the businesses and community of the Calder Valley.”

However, Sheehan pledges: “I will ensure our clients are not adversely affected and we will carry on – business as usual.”

Sheehan, who has been in estate agency for over 25 years, is personally affected by the flooding, but makes the point that her business could be affected by people’s perceptions of buying and renting in the area.

The Calderdale Rising appeal has only 12 days for the local fund to reach the amount needed in order to get the funds distributed.

Sheehan was previously a franchise partner with Halifax, and then traded as Claire Sheehan Intercounty before becoming fully independent.

On the appeal website she says: “After a terrible few years in property, the past 18 months saw a real improvement, and until December 26, 2015 was a very good year for us.

“We were looking forward to a very good 2016, but the floods will have an impact on this.”

She said that family, friends and clients past and present, along with complete strangers, had been very helpful.

“This spirit is something money can’t buy and a really good reason why I truly believe this is a great place to live and work.

“Provided the residents and businesses get the financial aid we are promised, we will bounce back.”