THE Abergavenny charity shop flooded by the irrigation system from a cannabis factory in the flat above is finally back in business.

The Gwent Cats’ Protection shop in Frogmore Street has reopened its doors eight weeks on, after being fitted with a new ceiling and floor.

The shop’s deputy manager Dawn Jones opened up one Sunday to discover part of the ceiling had collapsed and the shop was full of water. She called out a plumber who had to switch off the water supply to the flat above. When he could not gain entry to the flat the police were called and broke in to discover all the rooms contained cannabis plants and it was the watering system to them which had caused the flood.

Books and jigsaws were ruined during the incident and all the clothes had to be washed by volunteers. Now the shop has been fully restocked and on Monday the mayor of Abergavenny Councillor Chris Woodhouse and the mayoress, Councillor Mrs Sheila Woodhouse officially opened the shop.

"People have missed the shop, the window displays are always spectacular and attract a lot of passing trade,” said Chris. “Now it is refitted I hope they will soon catch up in time for Christmas. The money is needed for all the excellent work carried out by the charity in rescuing and caring for hundreds of stray cats and kittens."

The shop manager Julie Sijenje said the shop normally had takings of £1,500 a week so the Gwent branch of the charity had suffered a huge financial loss.

Branch co-ordinator Glynis Davies said it would take some time to recoup their losses but said she was certain with help from their supporters and volunteers it could be achieved.