Council applying for share of Red Cross aid

The charity announced the total available and has invited local authorities to apply for grants on behalf of local charities.

Funds will be allocated according to the scale and severity of the flooding and the number of homes affected.

Applicants will have to demonstrate how the money will benefit those most in need.

Council leader Coun Jan Wilson said: “We will be making contact with the Red Cross to apply for funding to assist in the essential work being undertaken to support those affected by the recent floods.

“We are aware that 1,260 homes were affected by flooding and work is continuing to help local residents and businesses return to normal as soon as possible, so we will explore every avenue to assist us in our efforts.”

Margaret Lally, head of UK service development at the Red Cross, said: “We aim to enable local groups to help those most in need recover from these devastating floods.

“We will work in partnership with local authorities and, through them, local charities.

This will ensure that the decisions about how these funds are used are taken by those who best understand the needs of people in the affected areas.”