Grants on offer to help Cheshire East’s flood victims

 

Flood victims in Cheshire East can now apply for grants to help protect their property in the future.

Homes and businesses flooded between April 1, 2013 and November 30, 2013, could be eligible for a grant of up to £5,000 to install equipment to safeguard their properties.

Available through Cheshire East Council, the government’s Repair and Renew Grant (RRG) scheme will pay for a wide range of flood protection measures for property owners who meet the eligibility criteria.

These can include everything from moving electrical fittings and airbrick covers to waterproofing walls, altering floors and installing a driveway barrier.

Council officers will be contacting the owners of a small number of homes and businesses in areas known to have flooded during this period, to inform them of the financial help available.

But the Council wants other residents or business owners who were affected to be aware that assistance may be available.

Home or business owners who feel they might be eligible and want further information can:

§  Email: floodgrantce@cheshireeast.gov.uk;

§ Telephone 01244 973869;

§ Write to Joint Cheshire Emergency Planning Team, Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ;

§ Download the flood grant application form at: http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/environment/community_safety/emergency_planning/flood_grant.aspx

It is advisable not to buy any flood resistance measures before an application is approved by the Council. Any costs before approval are incurred at the applicant’s own risk.

Those who have already paid for installation of flood resilience equipment can make a retrospective application but will be required to demonstrate that they were flooded in the eligible period, to produce proof of expenditure and to show that it represented value for money.

Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2015 and all works purchased, installed and grant claims submitted by August 31, 2015.