A MONMOUTHSHIRE charity shop flooded by the irrigation system from a cannabis factory in the flat above has finally reopened its doors eight weeks later.

The Gwent Cats' Protection shop in Frogmore Street, Abergavenny, had to be closed for refurbishment and a new ceiling and floor were installed after the incident.

The shop's deputy manager Dawn Jones opened up the shop on Sunday, August 28, to discover part of the ceiling had collapsed and the shop was full of water.

After calling out a plumber to switch off the water supply to the flat above, entry could not be gained and the police were called.

When the police managed to get into the property, it was discovered that all the rooms contained cannabis plants and it was the watering system to them which had caused the flood. 50 large plants were found which were then destroyed.

The shop has now been fully restocked and the mayor and mayoress of Abergavenny, Cllrs Chris Woodhouse and Sheila Woodhouse, officially opened the shop.

He said: “People have missed the shop, the window displays are always spectacular and attract a lot of passing trade. 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” and 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”.

Gwent Police confirmed that no one has been arrested regarding the cannabis factory and that investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log 271 28/08/2016.