Cash could flow for flood-hit families

STEM the tide: residents battle against the elements in Delph New Road, Delph, as the floods threaten to take hold

KEY drop-in sessions are to be held this month in the aftermath of the floods.

The discussions will learn what grants and support are available for residents and businesses. The meetings, arranged by the Environment Agency, will be in Uppermill and Delph.

Heavy rainfall saw the River Tame swell to a record height, bursting its banks in Uppermill and Greenfield, and across other villages. The meetings will ensure residents get the chance to discuss general local flood problems. Information will also be available about grants - including the Flood Property Resilience Grant scheme, which provides support to prepare buildings for future flood events.

John Rooney, head of housing, response services and districts, said: “We didn’t have the devastation caused by floods in other parts of the country, like Cumbria. But the questions we learned from these events will make us better prepared next time.

“A lot of people aren’t aware of what help is available, so we’ll be holding these events in Uppermill and Delph so they can find out more.”

A grant of £500 is available for all homes and businesses that were flooded while residents can also claim a council tax or business rates discount for the time their premises could not be occupied.

A Flood Resilience Grant, to a maximum of £5,000, is available to make properties more resilient to future flooding. So far the council has received 13 applications for the £500 grant and two for the Flood Resilience Grant, but believes others might validly claim.

Visit www.oldham.gov.uk for more information.