Tewkesbury: Support for residents recovering from flooding

Many residents had to remove carpets and furniture that were ruined by floodwater

Residents and businesses in Tewkesbury are being given a range of support to help them recover from the recent flooding.

A number of areas across the borough were badly affected and river levels remain high, but are slowly receding.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has established three key teams to support affected communities.

"I have seen incredible community spirit," said leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, Richard Stanley.

Tewkesbury Borough Council has set up three teams to help residents and businesses affected by the recent flooding

The waste and recycling team will focus on the proper disposal of household items that were contaminated as a result of the flooding, as well as returning for bins missed due to the floods.

The community contact team will visit affected residents to share information on the help and funding available. The council will also hold a series of surgeries across the affected areas.

The third team will assist local businesses with their recovery and will support applications for grants and provide guidance to food outlets on how to effectively clean their premises.

• Evacuations as flood-waters threaten homes

• Concerns new housing causing current homes to flood

• Residents evacuated as flood water continues to rise

John Badham (L) spoke to the Duke of Gloucester about his cottage flooding

Many residents had to be evacuated from their homes during last week's severe flooding.

On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited Abbey Terrace in Tewksbury and Alney Terrace in Gloucester to offer support to those affected by the worst of the floods.

John Badham, whose Tewkesbury cottage was flooded, said: "We got the impression that the floods had peaked on Tuesday so we were fairly relaxed. And then they just poured in on Wednesday - rather reminiscent of 2007.

"If you want to be a pessimist, perhaps in the long-term these cottages don't have a chance of survival.

"If you can't get insurance, if the value of the properties collapses, it will become a slum or it will become derelict properties.

"That would be sad wouldn't it? They're 18th century cottages, it would be quite nice if they survived."

Tewkesbury Abbey was surrounded by flood water after heavy rain from Storm Henk

Mr Stanley, said: "I have seen first-hand the devastating impact these floods have had on people's homes and businesses. The stress and upset of such an event should never be underestimated.

"Over the coming weeks, the council will be holding a series of advice and support surgeries. These will be attended by both councillors and council officers so we can hear directly from those affected, get people the support and advice they need, and look at where we can improve our processes and policies in future."

The government said this week that more areas across the country could get emergency help for affected households and businesses.

So far, Gloucestershire is one of eight councils which have been told they're eligible for cash payments and tax reliefs under the "Flood Recovery Framework".

Residents affected by the flooding will be offered advice about insurance, accommodation and dealing with contaminated items