Businesses have clubbed together to help a centre for disabled adults which was stricken by the collapse of a flooring firm.

Waves Daycare Centre, Slaithwaite, lost £825 when Allfloors Huddersfield Ltd folded forcing the centre to shelve its project for a sensory garden.

Most of the cash had been raised at the funeral of Mrs Kay Evans, a longtime supporter of the centre which her grandson George attends.

The money for Astroturf was taken as a deposit by Gary Connor, sole director of the defunct Slaithwaite-based Allfloors.

But Connor failed to deliver or refund Waves, which runs the Token Fund charity providing treats for adults with learning difficulties.

Allfloors is thought to have left numerous customers hundreds of pounds out of pocket after taking deposits and failing to deliver the work.

But businesses across Colne Valley have stepped in raising £2,540 – over three times the deficit.

And other firms have offered to help build the sensory garden for free.

Gary Connor
Gary Connor

The appeal was launched by Nicola Ratcliffe, of Pennine Farm Services, and Nick Lawton, of JC Bower skip hire, both based in Slaithwaite.

Ms Ratcliffe said: “When I saw the story it nearly reduced me to tears. It really infuriated me.

“I thought we could donate the money but it’s quite a lot so I contacted a few other businesses and I’ve been overwhelmed by the response.

“The bigger companies have donated £100 or £50 while the smaller ones have had collection tins out.

“It’s time to show that businesses in Slaithwaite can give something back to the community.”

Waves chief executive Sally-Anne Green said the sensory garden is now well on its way to completion also thanks to Assemble Projects, of Milnsbridge, which has offered to supply the turf for free.

Hive Construction Services, of Scholes, has offered to fit the turf at no cost.

Ms Green said: “I’m flabbergasted. It’s unbelievable. It’s been quite an emotional time.

“We’ve had people leaving messages and emailing us offering support.

“By Saturday we heard that businesses had £600. All sorts of businesses have got involved.

“People are asking us what we need to finish the garden. We’re going to be able to get everything now including benches and an awning.”

Records show Connor and companies he ran have at least eight county court judgements against them for almost £19,000 of unpaid debts dating back to 2009.

This includes an unpaid debt of £3,806 owed by Allfloors Huddersfield Ltd.

Connor declared himself insolvent two years ago.

Business who donated were: Pennine Farm Services, J C Bower, Mission Racing, D Perry Autocare, JAS Electrical, Garry Scott Groundworks, Shoulder of Mutton, Colltex, Hystat Systems, Dark Ink Tattoo, Ken Taylor Transport, Colne Valley Pest Control, Dubbers VW, iTech Solutions, PJ Carpets, Slawit Ink, HLH Haulage,NIS Building Supplies, JB Schofields, R&D Boothroyd, JLR Garages, The Little Group, R Lambert Transport, Clean Your Car, S Eastwood Ltd, The Little Bridge, Taylor Signs, Studio One, CV Skip Hire, Hill Top Stores, Hill Top Fisheries