Hardship fund to help flood-hit families

CARMARTHENSHIRE Council has set up an emergency fund to help the scores of homes and businesses inundated by floodwater from Storm Callum.

The council has made £100,000 available, which will be shared by homeowners and businesses struggling after the weekend floods.

The ‘support for flood recovery’ will help towards the removal of damaged furniture and goods, deal with sewerage and water contamination, and supply dehumidifiers for buildings.

Twelve households along the river in Pont Tyweli, near Llandysul, Ceredigion, are set to receive £200 towards repairs as some did not have insurance, due to high premiums.

Carmarthenshire Council switched its efforts from emergency response to recovery after floodwaters across the county started to recede on Monday, October 15.

So far, officers have been out to affected communities to collect ruined carpets, furniture and other waste. In places worst hit, they are sending out skips.

Mark James, Carmarthenshire Council chief executive, said: “Our staff have been working hard to respond in extremely difficult conditions. Now that the flood waters have subsided we have shifted our focus from response to recovery and we are doing all we can to support everyone affected.

“A full assessment of the damage is under way, and we are also speaking with Welsh Government to ensure appropriate resources are in place.”

The council has asked Welsh Government to provide rate relief for retailers and businesses. It has also sent out diving teams to inspect underwater structures and specialist engineers to look at areas that have experienced landslides. In all, around 80 properties were flooded in south west Wales over the weekend.

Welsh Government Environment Minister Hannah Blythyn, who met some of those affected residents on Tuesday, said the floods had caused “devastation”.

Ms Blythyn said councils should contact Welsh Government officials to explore the options for financial support.

She said: “It’s really important that we all work together to support the communities.

“I am grateful to the emergency services, local authorities, water companies and Natural Resources Wales who worked around the clock to support those who have been flooded.”