Following on from Storm Dennis and Storm Ciara, there has been some confusion over grants and compensation for people affected by flooding and storm damage.
Any compensation comes from a Government scheme – the Flood Recovery Framework. This is for local council areas that had been significantly impacted.
The criteria for who is eligible for funding is determined by the government not Rossendale Council.
Work has begun to make a Haslingden play area better cope with heavy rain.
Victoria Park play area is prone to flooding when bad weather hits so Rossendale Council has invested in improvements such as raising the ground level of the area to help with drainage and fitting new matting.
Welcoming the improvements, Councillor Jackie Oakes, Portfolio Holder for Operations, said:
“We know flooding has been a major issue in Victoria Park when it rains heavily and this is the most cost effective and efficient solution to the problem.
Rossendale was hit quite badly over the weekend with heavy rain and wind causing major disruption and flooding to residents and motorists.
In a statement, Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Council, said:
“Saturday was a tough night for people in Rossendale. Council staff worked with both Lancashire County Council, the Emergency Services, volunteers and the Environment Agency to try to limit the disruption.
Lancashire County Council has launched a campaign to help people be better prepared for possible flooding.
The campaign highlights the fact that flooding can happen almost anywhere, often without warning, during and after heavy rainfall – and that being prepared can significantly reduce its impact on people and property.
County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: “Over the last few years, we have seen the devastating impact of heavy rainfall in Lancashire where people have had to leave their homes and seen valuables destroyed by flood water.
Awareness campaigns are being launched by councils nationwide to highlight the dangers of flash floods which can wreak havoc across communities in just minutes.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, is warning home owners and businesses at risk from flash flooding to be prepared.
Flood Re launches in April 2016 and will promote the availability and affordability of flood insurance for up to 350,000 homeowners across the UK who are at risk of flooding.
The leaflet produced explains more about how Flood Re will work as well as providing general advice to homeowners on managing flood risk.
Boost for Business is running a Flood Recovery Grant Scheme to support businesses severely affected (either directly or indirectly) by the December 2015 flooding in Lancashire and the fund is open until February 28th 2016.
This grant scheme is to support small and medium sized businesses severely affected (either directly or indirectly) by the flooding of December 2015, to help businesses recover quickly and get back trading successfully and being sustainable.
Rossendale Borough Council would like to thank all residents, business owners, local groups and volunteers for their help, support and assistance during the Boxing Day floods and in the aftermath.
We would also like to thank our local partners for the help and assistance they have provided during these events; Lancashire County Council, the Environment Agency, Lancashire Police, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and United Utilities.
Rossendale Council has announced central government details of a scheme to help householders and businesses make their properties more resistant to future floods. Under the scheme, householders and businesses affected by Storms Desmond and Eva in Rossendale can apply to the Council for grants of up to £5,000 to help make their homes/businesses more resilient to flooding in the future.
