The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has appealed to the government to support the sector during the flood crisis.

BHA chair Bob Cotton has asked that National Insurance, VAT charges and business rates be suspended for six months to give trades directly affected by the flooding time to get back on track.

Cotton said: “The floods have caused as much damage to affected businesses as the foot-and-mouth epidemic in 2001. The government was quick to offer similar assistance to businesses then and we are asking that it should step in to alleviate the pressure on those affected now.

“Not only have the floods come at the height of the domestic holiday season, but the damage caused means it will take many months for businesses to recover.”

In addition, Cotton has urged government to ask banking institutions and utility companies to put demands for payment on hold.

The Federation of Licensed Victuallers’ Associations has also asked pub companies to freeze the direct debits of affected tenants and lessees unable to upkeep payments due to a consequent lack of trade, and instead offer payment plans.

Hospitality closures include Heston Blumenthal’s Hind’s Head pub in Berkshire and four outlets operated by the Charles Wells Pub Company.

Elsewhere in the leisure industry, the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham has shut down the lifts in its main exhibition owing to ongoing repairs following flood damage, while the England and Wales Cricket Trust has committed £250,000 to support cricket clubs affected by the torrential weather.