BUSTLING crowds have returned to Ilminster after the town’s final store reopened following the devastating floods.

Trade returned to Silver Street Dairy last Thursday after Caroline Speke and her staff reopened the doors.

They were the last shop to reopen as they had to make sure that new flooring complied with food hygiene standards.

At the grand re-opening, Caroline said: “This is our first day open after around seven weeks closed due to the flooding.

“We are thrilled to be back open and it is great to see our loyal customers. We are happy to be open and serving Ilminster once more. We have had a steady flow of people and there are times where it is very busy.

“It was a real blow to business to be shut for all this time.

“I am proud of all of our staff, they have worked so hard to get us to this stage, and all the people who helped with the process.

“We are back. It is fantastic news for Ilminster, for everyone in the town really, and we really hope that we can have a fantastic rest of the year.”

Caroline said a special thank you to her staff members, Angela Heathman who does the baking, Shelley Kingman, Claire Timson and Katy Maggs.

After the successful reopening for the store, they have more plans for the near future.

Next on the horizon is a loyalty card scheme that they are looking to introduce.

The final details are yet to be revealed, but Caroline has promised that rewards will be coming for her regular customers. For more call 01460 57608.