£57k aid given to flood victims

Aid to flood-hit Erewash residents has topped £57,000 in just over a week after the council finally got the Government go-ahead to act in the wake of Storm Babet.

The authority pushed to be allowed to distribute grants after October’s ferocious weather brought misery to hundreds of properties across the borough.

Many flooded homes were left uninhabitable. Those who had been living in them have been able to apply for £500 towards their flood bills via the Erewash Borough Council website.

The community relief grants scheme went live on November 8th. There have also been Council Tax discounts and business rate relief.

Erewash pulled out all the stops once it got the green light from the Department for Levelling-up, Housing and Communities. Council leader James Dawson confirmed: “We have already given out £57,000. The council has been determined to get this money to people fast.

“In the run-up to Christmas there have been heartbreaking stories about the flooding that hit Erewash. The council made it an immediate priority to do everything in its power to help those worst affected.

“One thing we could do straight away was waive the usual charges for taking away bulky waste – so at least flooded residents could get wrecked furniture and other household goods disposed of.”

Residents can continue to report their flood damage and apply for aid via their My Erewash accounts, where there is full information on the grants.

Floodwater needs to have got into habitable areas. Evidence must be provided via photos, video and insurance claims. The property should be the person’s primary residence.

Further details and advice on flooding can be found at erewash.gov.uk

Those who need help to fill in the online form can contact the council on 0115 907 2244.