Flood victims in Hellingly are being offered cash grants of up to £2,000 to protect their properties from flooding.
Almost sixty homes across Alfriston, Forest Row, Uckfield and Hellingly recently took advantage of a flood survey, paid for by Wealden District Council to identify what measures could be taken to reduce the risk of suffering flood damage.
The scheme is part of a flood resilience work carried out by an initiative involving Wealden District Council, East Sussex Fire and Rescue, Environment Agency, National Flood Forum and East Sussex County Council. A great of £100,000 has been secured to fund the works which can include flood doors, barriers and air brick covers.
Councillor Claire Dowling, Wealden Cabinet member for Public Health and Community Safety said; “Flood resilience is all about being prepared for what may happen, and avoiding the cost and heartache that flood damage can cause. It is estimated the preventative work these households can carry out could result in savings of over £1.5 million in repair and restoration costs if there was a flooding event. We hope these measures will never be tested, but the uncertainty caused by climate change means households need to be aware if there is a potential flood risk to their property, and the damage it could cause.”
Assistant Director of Safer Communities at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Mark Matthews said: “Unfortunately when it comes to flooding, often by the time we are called the damage has already been done to property and possessions. It can take months to recover and can be very costly. The good news is that there are measures which people can take and we strongly encourage householders and businesses to find out more before it is too late.”
A copy of the Wealden Flooding and Drainage Advice for Property Owners booklet can be downloaded from the Flood and Severe Weather page on the Wealden website.
