Floods cash boost for householders

The homes worst affected by recent floods in Chesterfield are to receive around £400 each to help alleviate some of the immediate problems facing housholders.

The money has been allocated to Chesterfield Borough Council today from the Government's Flood Recovery Grant Scheme.
Chesterfield's £200,000 share of a £10 million national pot of money was worked out by the Government on the basis of information about the extent of local flooding provided by the Borough Council, whose officers have been checking the situation on a daily basis.

The Council has identified all the homes they think qualify for assistance and are writing to their occupiers. Anyone else who thinks they may be eligible should obtain an application form from Chesterfield Town Hall, available from Monday morning.

Once the completed forms are received, the money will be paid out immediately - so hopefully some people could get theirs next week.

Householders will be able to use the cash for any purpose connected with recovering from the floods or replacing flood-damaged goods.

* A separate scheme is available for small businesses which have been affected by the floods.
Up to £2,500 is available from the East Midlands Business Flood Recovery Fund for businesses employing 250 or less employees whose finances have been badly affected by the recent flooding.

Businesses need to satisfy a number of criteria to be eligible and details can be obtained from Business Link on 0845 058 6644, e-mail info@businesslinkem.co.uk.

* After an officer assessment this week of the position with flood-damaged bulky household waste items on streets and homes, the Borough Council is removing them to avoid any possibility of environmental health dangers arising.

Householders wanting to enquire about the service should contact the Council on 01246 345735.

Ends

Press release issued: July 13 2007