Bassetlaw November flood appeal: £34,000 fund now open for applications

Anyone whose homes and contents were damaged are able to seek grants of £500 or more for help with alternative accommodation and living costs, food and drink, insurance excess, basic furniture and white goods, essential uninsured costs and more.

The fund - made up of money raised by community groups and match-funded by the Government - is being allocated by Lincolnshire Community Foundation.

Though anyone can apply, priority will be given to homes that were flooded internally, individuals and families suffering financial or other hardship, low income households, people over 70, families with young children and people with physical or learning disabilities, mental health needs or medical conditions.

A spokesperson for the charity said gardens, sheds, outbuildings, fences and garden furniture or equipment, garages and businesses would not normally qualify for help.

Roger Stocks, founder of Facebook community group Worksop Independence, told the Guardian in January how people in the town felt isolated and marginalised by the long wait for the money.

He described how the money from the appeal - which had been running since November - was needed at Christmas ‘when many people were sat with no heating or Christmas presents’.

Reacting to the news on Wednesday Roger said: “We’re pleased that it’s come through but I’m very critical of the council over the time this has taken.

“There has been zero communication from the council about this – but I urge anyone who hasn’t made a claim to do so.”

Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s Sue Fortune will be at Bassetlaw District Council on July 21 from 10am to 3pm providing advice and support to potential applicants – with social distancing measures in place during her visit.

She said: “We’re pleased to confirm Government match funding has been received and we would like to visit Worksop to help those who need support completing application forms.

“We’ve been mindful that those in most need may have been self isolating or shielding during the lockdown period and wanted to ensure everyone affected was given the chance to apply.”

Hardship grants are normally up to £500 however in exceptional circumstances higher grant awards may be considered based on need.

The fund is open now and closes on July 31 with applicants being notified of a decision within 14 days of the closing date.

Priority may be given to those who are eligible but have yet to receive support.

To apply to the fund people are asked to contact the Lincolnshire Community Foundation via their website at www.lincolnshirecf.co.uk.

Anyone unable to access the internet should call 01529 305825 or 07908 208838.

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