Earlier today, Wyre Forest District Council announced financial measures to help those people affected by recent floods. The measures included a distribution of the £100,000 Flood Recovery Grant Scheme, awarded by the Government.
The council is also looking at waiving three month's council tax payments for householders who remain in their homes while repairs are carried out to unusable rooms. For people who have had to move out of their homes completely, the council is proposing a six month council tax payment holiday.
The council is also continuing to examine watercourses and drainage to ensure than any further heavy rain will cause minimal disruption. Finally, the council is putting on a display of flood prevention products.
Mark Garnier commented:
"These proposals are very welcome indeed and I congratulate the council for acting intelligently and efficiently over the crisis. The June floods affected over 200 properties and that number rises to 650 when including the July deluge. The Government has said it will help with further assistance for the later flooding.
"I send my sympathies to all those people affected - watching one's property being destroyed is appalling. But once the headlines have passed and the floodwaters have ebbed away, there is a long period of uncertainty with costs of clearing up, repairs and replacement of ruined property bringing unexpected and unwelcome bills.
"This Is absolutely the right way for this crisis to be handled - at a local level by local service providers who understand the local issues and problems,
Council Leader John Campion urged affected residents who have not already contacted the council to do so. "We want to hear from everyone whose home has been flooded, even if they are coping with the problems. We'd like everyone who has had floodwater in their homes to telephone the Worcestershire Hub so we can check that we have contact details and arrange a visit if necessary."