Flood-weary Erewash residents still struggling three months after Storm Babet are being invited to a string of local “drop-in” events to get vital advice about help that is on offer.
Experts from the Environment Agency will be on hand – along with teams from Derbyshire County Council, which is the authority that takes charge during flooding emergencies.
Hundreds of homes across the borough were inundated in October – sparking flood aid from the government which Erewash Borough Council has been busy distributing.
Residents have been able to apply for Community Relief Grants of up to £500 towards their flood bills – with businesses entitled to claim up to £2,500. There has also been Council Tax relief. Applications for these payments are now closed
The Environment Agency said it had invited Severn Trent Water to the advice sessions. The agency’s strategic senior flood risk management advisor Alex McDonald said: “Residents and businesses affected by flooding can discuss their concerns and seek advice.
“There will be an opportunity to find out about the grants and support available for property flood resilience (PFR) measures, learn about the Environment Agency’s flood warning system, and talk about your experiences with flooding.
“There will also be the opportunity for you to ask questions and learn about work being undertaken by the Environment Agency and Derbyshire County Council to help reduce the impact of flooding in your area.”
The advice hubs will be open from 2pm to 7pm. The first for Erewash residents will be for those around Little Eaton. It will be on Monday 15 January and is being held in Belper. The address is Room 107 at the Strutts Centre in Derby Road – postcode DE56 1UU.
Ilkeston residents are invited to attend a drop-in on Tuesday 30 January at Ilkeston Town Football Club – the New Manor Ground on Awsworth Road, DE7 8JF.
Those hit by flooding in Long Eaton, Sandiacre and Breaston can attend a hub on Friday 16 February at Sawley Memorial Hall on Draycott Road, NG10 3FR.
Erewash’s leader Councillor James Dawson said:
“We rushed to do all we could to help as residents were left reeling from Storm Babet and its aftermath. Some were forced from their homes by flooding – and we are only too aware that three months on their anguish is still not over.
“These drop-in sessions can hopefully go some way towards helping ease the distress of those worst affected.”
Information about flooding can be found on the Erewash Borough Council website here: