Council secures flood cash from government

Herefordshire Council has succeeded in bidding for £2 million to help cover the costs incurred as a result of its response to last year's summer floods.

Under the government's "Bellwin Scheme," organisations such as local authorities, the police and fire and rescue services can claim back expenditure incurred by immediate action to safeguard residents and property or prevent suffering as a result of a disaster or emergency.

In Herefordshire, the floods caused widespread devastation and misery. The council's response to the flooding included setting up emergency rest centres for people stranded by the floods as well as dealing with the damage to roads and footpaths. The Council also moved residents of a care home that was flooded.

"We're extremely pleased that government has acknowledged the amount of work we put in during what was a very unusual and devastating emergency," said David Powell, the council's head of financial services.

"The floods affected many people in the county - but thanks to the efforts of many council staff, who worked tirelessly over a number of days, the effects were minimised.

"The important thing is that the council was there when people needed it - whether it was temporary re-housing, clearing of debris from highways, pavements and footpaths or evacuation from dangerous buildings, council staff rose to the occasion".

Speaking at the announcement of £2.5 million going to six councils under the Bellwin Scheme, floods recovery minister John Healey, said that the flooding caused inconvenience and misery for thousands of people.

"I saw first hand the excellent response by local agencies, including local authorities, who worked tirelessly first to protect their communities and then to help people get back on their feet.

"I'm delighted to announce funding for these authorities. This means that we have now paid more than £15 million to 39 authorities which will help them cover some of the costs of dealing with last summer's floods."