Fire crews in Walton-le-Dale

Homeowners in Preston and Lancashire who were affected by flooding are to receive funding.

Every household affected by the Boxing Day floods are to receive £500.

Lancashire County Council is to provide the money, via the government’s flood fund, to district councils who will work to identify those homes who need the money.

County Councillor Jenny Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “The confirmation that government funding will be extended to those affected by the most recent floods is very welcome news.

“We’ll be working closely with district councils and partner organisations over the coming days and weeks to distribute these funds, and try to make the process work as smoothly as possible.

“Work is also ongoing to put funding in place for people who may be in particular need and I would urge anyone who would like to find out more to look at the details available on the web and contact the Community Foundation early in the New Year.

“Support will also be available through Boost Business Lancashire to help businesses get back on their feet as soon as possible.

“I’m very grateful for the wonderful response from people across the county and beyond to help those affected by flooding, and we’ll be continuing to do all we can in the coming weeks to help people and businesses get back to normal.”

Walton Green around 2pm on Boxing Day Pic: Andy Luke

Around 40 homes and businesses in South Ribble were flooded during Boxing Day as heavy and persistent rain battered Preston and Lancashire.

What support is available for businesses?

Support will also be available for businesses severely affected either directly or indirectly by the flooding to help them recover and get trading again as soon as possible. This is due to be delivered by Boost Business Lancashire, which is led by the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to create and safeguard jobs in the county. Details of this support are available on the Boost website.

Is there additional support for Lancashire homes with no insurance?

Work is also underway to put help in place for households in particular need, for example because they are not insured. People may also be eligible to receive additional funding from a local discretionary fund being administered by the Community Foundation for Lancashire. Details are available here on the Lancs Flood Appeal site.

Are farmers being helped?

Support will also be available for farmers from a scheme administered by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Details are available at the Defra website.