South Lakeland Flood Information Bulletin 21 st April 2016

Transcription

1 South Lakeland Flood Information Bulletin 21 st April 2016 News Rebuilding our Communities Day 23 rd April 2016 Do you live in the Minstfeet or Far Cross area of Kendal? Can you pop back to your flood affected property on Saturday 23 rd April either between 10 am - 12 noon or 2 pm - 4 pm? This initiative of the Community Flood Recovery Group to rebuild local communities will focus on making sure those of you who were affected have not missed out on the opportunity to register for any kind of help or advice you may need. Even if you feel you do not need help, sharing your experiences can help everyone to be better prepared in the future. If this approach works then further days will be planned to reach out to other areas in a similar way. To make this a success we do need extra help and so if individuals or organisations would like to help with visitation and volunteering we would like to hear from you: please contact- admin@sandylandschurch.com or telephone: for further details. As all volunteers will be provided with a Hi-Vis jacket for safety reasons we do need to know numbers in advance. Please come in suitable clothing for conditions and suitable footwear. Briefing sessions will be held at 9.30 am and 1.30 pm. There will also be a garden team going out but this is a separate project on the day and the organising team will be contacting people directly who have already offered their time. NEW date for A591 reopening The storm-damaged A591 in Cumbria, which has been closed since December, is set to reopen earlier than initially planned, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin confirmed during a visit to Cumbria on Thursday 7 April He announced that Highways England and its contractor Kier are doing all they can to reopen the A591 on Friday 13 May. The new opening date which has been brought forward from the end of May - means holidaymakers travelling to Cumbria for the spring bank holiday and the school half-term break would be able to travel along the entire stretch of the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick. Work to reopen the road is being carried out by Highways England and Kier on behalf of Cumbria County Council. To see how work was progressing on the A591 Mr McLoughlin was joined by Highways England Chief Executive Jim O Sullivan and Keith Little, Cumbria County Council s Cabinet Member for Highways. Jim O Sullivan said: We re acutely aware how important this road is to local people and tourism businesses. When we started the repairs in February we promised we d be working to reopen the road as quickly as possible and with some great progress in the last few weeks we re looking to do that by the middle of May rather than at the end of the month - which should be great news for visitors and businesses planning for the late spring bank holiday. Keith Little, Cabinet Member for Cumbria County Council said: We are delighted that Patrick has made time in his busy schedule to show his support for the affected businesses and communities of Cumbria but more importantly his visit brings with him the excellent news that the A591 will re-open even sooner than expected. Everyone involved with the repair deserves our thanks as they have worked tirelessly to re-open this road, a road which is a vital connection for communities, businesses and tourists alike. 1

2 In a further boost, the Transport Secretary also announced that Cumbria County Council has received nearly 1.5 million from the government s Pothole Action Fund, to help repair more than 27,000 potholes in the region during the current financial year. Also, on 20 th April, the bus operator Stagecoach announced that the shuttle bus operating as a link for services between Grasmere and Keswick has now carried more than 30,000 passengers, both locals and tourists, since its launch in February. Change of Highways Hotline telephone number The Cumbria County Council Highways Hotline number has changed. The new number is The hotline is one method by which the public can report issues with the highway. The change from a 0845 number to a 0300 number will mean a lower call cost for the majority of callers, although this will depend on which phone company they are with, whether it is a land line or mobile, and where they are calling from. Anyone calling the Cumbria County Council Highways Hotline on the previous 0845 number will still get through. A recorded message will inform them that it is cheaper to redial on the 0300 number, but they will also be given the option to remain on the line to be connected. Callers will also be encouraged to report highways issues online via Cumbria County Council did not generate any income from the 0845 number and this will remain the case for the new 0300 number. A full programme is in place to ensure the old number is replaced across the range of materials and locations it appears on. This transition will take place over the coming weeks. Listening and emotional support training The experience of those who have been affected directly or indirectly by the flooding in South Lakeland can be extremely traumatic, as can the long wait so many face before being able to return to and re-furnish their own house. It can lead to severe emotional and mental distress and for those who have previously suffered from a mental illness can re-trigger feelings and fears from the past. South Lakeland Mind is setting up a training course in basic listening/emotional support techniques for staff and volunteers who are delivering front line support. The course offers a thorough introduction to the different mental health conditions you are likely to come across with individuals in the community, and covers how you can approach and communicate with vulnerable people, when and where to refer if necessary, what to do in an emergency, and risks to be aware of. This course would be suitable for anyone working or volunteering within peoples own homes, in public areas or formal meeting rooms, including front line staff, support workers, and anyone across an organisation that would be managing these staff and volunteers that wish to cascade the core information. The venue can be either The Gateway Centre, Gillinggate, Kendal, LA9 4JE or your own organisation s meeting room if that would suit you better. The course is 6 hours and can be delivered in one day, or spread over two or three days over a few weeks. For more information or to arrange your funded course contact Chris Frampton, Associate Trainer, South Lakeland Mind or chris.j.frampton@gmail.com. 2

3 Royal Mail Re-direction Service For anyone who has had to leave their normal address due to flooding and has not already asked for their mail to be re-directed, Royal Mail are offering a free of charge re-direction service which can be set up by calling or through your local Post Office. For people who have moved out of a flood affected property and have already set up a redirection but have been charged for it then the cost can be claimed back by writing to: Royal Mail Redirection Centre, P O Box 944, Stoke on Trent, ST1 5DB You will need to include the redirection reference you were originally given as well as the addresses which mail is being re-directed from and to. Flood Re As previously advised this new scheme came into force from the beginning of April 2016 and is designed to make insurance for homeowners in high flood risk areas more affordable. Flood risk is normally a part of household insurance in the UK. However with the increased number of flood incidents over recent years many more people are struggling to find cover that is affordable. Not all insurers offering household insurance will offer Flood Re (initially about 17 have signed up) and please note that some insurers will not automatically advise policyholders that cover might be available to them check by asking your insurer directly. There will also be a statutory definition of flood and the policy excess will be capped at 250 for claims resulting from a flood incident. Properties that will qualify for Flood Re are: Residential property, paying Council Tax Property insured in the name of individuals Property occupied by the owner or immediate family Flood Re will not cover: Homes built after 1 January 2009 Small businesses and residential landlords (more detailed rules will apply where Council Tax is paid) Buildings insurance for leased properties where there are more than 3 residential units in the property (i.e. blocks of flats) Further information is available at Bridges and Roads The situation across the county is available at detailing routes still closed and also those which have now re-opened. There is no longer a separate update just for South Lakeland. Environment Agency Just to remind you that the Environment Agency will be attending all the Flood Forums being held across the area (see below) but if you are unable to attend any of those meetings, feedback on how your property 3

4 (home or business) was affected can still be logged using their online form at: Other useful links: Check flood risk here: Advice on flooding: or call Floodline on on Twitter and #FloodAware for the latest flood risk advice. Dates for your Diary Rebuilding our Communities: Visitation Saturday: 23 rd April am 4.00 pm (See above for details) Flood Forums Wednesday 4 th May Wednesday 18 th May 3.00 pm 7.00 pm Burneside, Bryce Institute, Main Hall 3:00 pm 7:00 pm Carver Church Windermere These are drop in style events so members of the public can come along at any time during the times shown to talk to officers and also get general community advice and support on funding, insurance, flood prevention equipment and flood support registration. Maps and plans will also be available on which people will be able to write and draw details of how their property was flooded (e.g. direction water came from, how deep it was etc.). Copies of photos and video footage of events would also be welcomed. Separately, further events are being held on the dates listed below. These will be more formal public meetings at which the EA and the Flood Risk Management team will aim to present their draft findings on flooding events and proposed solutions to alleviate the potential for future flooding in specific local areas. Residents will have an opportunity to study and discuss the results and give further feedback. The presentation will start at 7.00 pm but from 6.00 pm there will be an opportunity for residents to register on the Gateway Flood Support scheme and to discuss where further support, if needed, can be obtained: Wednesday 15 th June 6.00 pm pm Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge Please Note: The events in Staveley and Backbarrow have had to be re-arranged and we will advise the new dates as soon as they are confirmed. Dates and Locations for Gateway Flood Support Vehicle & Flood Support Registration The Gateway Flood Support vehicle will be visiting the following areas on the dates and times shown below these are confirmed visits but please note that some dates have changed from those previously provided Friday 22 nd April, Milnthorpe Market, am 4.00 pm Wednesday 27 th April, Natland, Natland Road, adjacent to Park Close, am 4.00 pm Further visits are planned during May; details to follow in the next bulletin. 4

5 Funding & Financial Assistance The summary of funding and financial assistance below is a quick and easy source of information for those who may not yet have made an application for support or for those who may be unsure whether they are eligible for financial aid. The Cumbria Growth Hub scheme which was previously mentioned has now closed for any household in a residential property that has been flooded for use for general recovery 2. Up to 5,000 for any residential or business property that has been flooded and wants to take steps when making repairs, such as installation of flood barriers, to make their property more resilient in the event of future flooding events. 3. Help for voluntary, sporting and community groups 4. Help with Council Tax and Business Rates 5. Support for Farmers Cumbria Community Foundation help for individuals and community groups for any residential property that has been flooded The government is providing local authorities with Community Grants as part of the Communities and Business Recovery Scheme. This will be equivalent to up to 500 per household affected by flooding between the 3-11 th December It will help with recovery costs such as provision of temporary accommodation. In Cumbria this will mean a fixed payment of 500 for a household that has been flooded. For those properties that already pay their council tax by Direct Debit the good news is that you don t need to do anything! This payment will have been paid directly into your bank account and the payment will show up as a payment from your local district council who are administrating the scheme. The first payments were made before Christmas. If you do not pay your council tax by direct debit, or you haven t received the automatic payment and think you are eligible, then please contact your local district council who will be happy to help you apply for the payment. South Lakeland District Council: customer.services@southlakeland.gov.uk or call Up to 5,000 for any residential or business property that has been flooded and wants to be more flood resilient and install flood defences The government has also made available up to 5,000 to homeowners and businesses that were flooded over the period 3 23 December The grant is to assist households and businesses in carrying out measures to make their properties more resilient and to help them recover quicker from a flood should it occur again. If you would like further information on the grant scheme, then please contact your local District Council. They will be able to provide you with information on the application process and will be able to direct you towards information from professional sources to assist you with your application. 5

6 Part of the eligibility criteria allows you to get a qualified surveyor to assess your home and make a professional recommendation as to how the money is best used/invested. 500 of the overall 5,000 can be claimed against that cost. Alternatively there is free advice available on the DEFRA website. Please contact your local council for more information: South Lakeland District Council customer.services@southlakeland.gov.uk or call Help for voluntary, sporting and community groups Voluntary and community organisations also play a vital role in supporting communities during times of need and grants will be made available to them also. Support is available to voluntary and community groups who are providing immediate relief to people and longer term community rebuilding projects. Support will also be provided to flood affected community facilities. Please apply on line at or call If you are a sports group which has been affected by the flooding, there are grants available from Sport England at: 4. Help with council tax and business rates Council Tax - If you had to move out of your home because of flooding you will receive a 100% discount on both your flooded home and the property you have moved to if you are liable to pay council tax on your temporary home. If you are continuing to reside in the property that has been flooded but are unable to use the whole property, for example, using only the upstairs rooms, you are also eligible for a discount Business Rates there is 100% rate relief for a three month period to all businesses flooded. The relief applies for the full three months even if the premises reopen within that time. A fresh application can be made if the adverse effects continue and will be considered by the Council. The total maximum period for which relief can be obtained is 12 months. Please contact your local council for more information on the above: South Lakeland District Council customer.services@southlakeland.gov.uk or call Support for Farmers Applications for the Farming Recovery Fund closed on 18 th March Any farmers wanting further advice or support following December s flooding should contact the NFU North West Regional Office for more information: online at call on: CUMBRIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION - Funding for individuals and community groups The Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund 2015, which is being run by the Cumbria Community Foundation, will provide financial assistance to help individuals and families who have been affected. Full details of what funding you can apply for and details of how to apply can be found on the last two pages of this bulletin. Follow the link below to see an online copy of these guidelines for individuals and community groups and to download the application forms; (Individuals/Families) (Groups) 6

7 Water and waste water bills If you were affected by flooding and had to move out of your home or business then United Utilities will suspend your water and waste water bills. If you need help or want advice please call: Domestic: Business: Cumbria Growth Hub Although the deadline for applications for grants from the Cumbria Growth Hub has now passed, support and advice is still available to non-farming businesses across the county. For further details please visit OTHER FUNDING SOURCES Farming Communities The Prince s Countryside Fund will work alongside The Prince s Business Emergency Resilience Group (BERG). Farming Help Hotline Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) has encouraged victims to contact them for funding: or grants@rabi.org.uk Addington Fund - Providing homes for farming families Farm Crisis Network - help and advice Brian Armstrong Defra - Farms can claim 20,000 each for flood repairs. Farmers who want to apply for the Farming Recovery Fund should call the Rural Services helpline on Forage Aid For Individuals Sir John Fisher Foundation has set aside 25,000 to support victims of the floods in the South Lakeland and Furness areas, who are not eligible for support from the Cumbria Community Foundation Flood Recovery Fund. Enquiries from charitable causes should be made to David Jackson or mail@sirjohnfisherfoundation.org.uk BT Benevolent Fund - for anyone who has been an employee of British Telecom or (in some cases) its predecessor companies. Can also help dependents, e.g. the widow/er of a former BT employee. They make financial grants to those with limited means. Contact or benevolent@bt.com 7

8 Rowland Hill Fund - charity supporting Royal Mail and Post Office staff, pensioners and their dependants. Give financial grants towards the cost of temporary accommodation, out of pocket expenses, insurances excesses, essential household items and much more. Contact , option 1 then option 4. Age UK South Lakeland have set aside 5,000 to help any older person in South Lakeland who has need for a small amount of emergency funding (e.g. paying for a gentleman to go into a B&B for a night until his family could get up to help him). Contact EON Energy Fund flood victims may be eligible for a brand new replacement washing machine, fridge freezer, cooker and boiler. You do not need to be an EON customer to apply. Contact , option 1 or Locally, we have also been made aware of The Lupton Tower Trust which can make grants of between available to benefit those who live in the parishes of Kendal, New Hutton, Natland, Stainton, Old Hutton & Holmescales, Killington, Preston Richard, Preston Patrick, Lupton, Mansergh and Kirkby Lonsdale. Grants are awarded to relieve poverty, sickness and hardship and could cover such circumstances as: Accommodation & housing, Children & Young People, Education and Training, the Elderly, Medial Health or Sickness, People with Disabilities, Prevention and relief of poverty and other general charitable purposes. To apply to the Lupton Tower Trust please write to Arnold Greenwood Solicitors, 8 & 10 Highgate, Kendal LA9 4SX or ajpeel@arnoldgreenwood.co.uk Other Help & Support Legal Advice We have been advised by CALC (Cumbria Association of Local Councils) that Burnetts Solicitors in Carlisle is offering free legal advice to anyone in Cumbria who needs advice on flood-related issues. The offer, which will last at least until 30th April 2016, covers any type of legal support such as advice on leases or tenancies for businesses which need to temporarily re-locate as well as support for householders on insurance claims or employment issues. Managing Partner Nick Gutteridge said We want to do what we can to help businesses get back on their feet and to support Cumbrians. Our experience from 2005 and 2009 indicates that the most common issues for residents will be problems with slow insurance companies and rogue builders. This is a no-stringsattached offer of genuine assistance to local people. We will help wherever we can. The firm, which has offices in Cockermouth, Carlisle and Penrith, has appointed a team of lawyers to handle enquiries from throughout the county - for South Lakeland and Eden the contact is: Rob Winder rw@burnetts.co.uk BERG The Business Emergency Resilience Group (BERG), part of the charity Business in the Community, has set up a one-stop shop at ASDA in Kendal to help local residents and businesses apply for the 5000 Property Level Resilience Grants, which are being administered by South Lakeland District Council. 8

9 Kendal residents and businesses that were affected by flooding in Storms Desmond and Eva can visit the Centre to get assistance in applying for the grants that can help pay for property resilience measures. Flood Resilience specialists are on hand to start the grant process by completing the application form with residents and business owners. They will also be offering flood resilience advice and explaining how to make properties more resilient to future flood events. BERG s mobile Collaboration Centre in the car park of ASDA in Burton Rd, Kendal, LA9 7JA is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am-6pm, and on Sunday from 10am-4pm. A telephone hotline has been set up to offer advice and guidance with the grant applications: There is also a Facebook page, Flood Resilience Advice and a website The Gateway Group is a collaborative of charities, health and public sector organisations (AgeUK South Lakeland, The Red Cross, Sight Advice South Lakes, South Lakeland Mind, South Lakeland Carers, The Oaklea Trust, CAB, Alzheimer s Society, Cancer Care and Cumbria CVS) working together for the benefit of all. Dedicated flood helpline: Sandylands Centre (Methodist Church) The Encouragement Cabin on Sandgate is open from Monday to Thursday am 4.00 pm Contact: Laura Wilson admin@sandylandschurch.com For latest news and updates check out their social media streams: Facebook.com/sandylandschurch or Website: Jonny Gios, Flood Relief Community Worker: jonny@sandylandschurch.com Wendy Thornton, Minister: wendy.thornton@methodist.org.uk Dave Lock: Flood Relief Support Worker: lock.dave@yahoo.co.uk The Church Office will also be in operation from 1 st February Tel: St George s Church on Castle Street offers flood victims free food, drinks, wi-fi and a listening ear on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from am 2.30 pm. All are welcome. Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Blackhall Road also has the same offer available for flood victims on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.45pm to 6.30 pm. Kendal Flood Recovery Centre Opening hours for the Flood Relief Centre have been amended and the Centre is now open Wednesday - Saturday between 10am - 4pm. We have food; water; cleaning products; toiletries; clothes; bedding; baby products; toys and games; dog and cat food. If you have been affected by the flooding in the South Lakes area please come and see us. All goods have been donated by local people as well as local and national companies. We are in the Westmorland Shopping Centre (above Argos). CancerCare Lakes Centre is able to offer a range of emotional support to flood victims. Tel:

10 Volunteers Cumbria CVS has a list of volunteers willing to offer support with clearing up following the floods, so if you need, or are aware of any requests for volunteers and/or support, please contact us. Please give as much notice as possible, especially if there is a specific need, as some of these volunteers may be from out of county. Contact Cumbria CVS: Tel: or info@cumbriacvs.org.uk South Lakeland Carers Practical advice for all carers in the South Lakeland area Tel: Cumbria County Council Welfare Team For Emergency financial assistance towards essential costs call Cumbria County Council Advice & Support team Tel: Housing Benefits For help and advice call South Lakeland District Council Housing team Tel: Housing & Accommodation If you need help finding accommodation contact: South Lakeland Housing Team Tel: South Lakes Housing Tel: Impact Housing association Tel: New Carpets A local carpet supplier has offered to provide carpeting for a number of homes. This offer is to be directed at the most needy and all enquiries should be addressed to Rob Saner-Haigh (Chair of the Kendal Relief in Need charity) at vicar@kendalparishchurch.co.uk in the first instance. Who Else Could I call for help? See the list of useful numbers below or for general enquiries call the Cumbria County Council Area Support Office on Tel: Useful Contact Information AGE UK: South Lakeland District Council: BERG: Business Growth Hub: or info@cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk Citizens Advice Bureau:

11 Consumer Direct (to report bogus tradesmen): Cumbria Chamber of Commerce (South Lakeland): Cumbria Community Foundation: or Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care: Cumbria County Council Children & Families Info Service: Cumbria County Council General Enquiries: Cumbria County Council Highways to report problems (including parking permit enquiries): Cumbria County Council Voluntary Car Scheme: Cumbria Law Centre: Environment Agency: Environment Agency 24hr Floodline: Federation of Small Business (South Lakeland): Brian Harrison Gas Safe Register (Gas Safety Advice and registered local engineers): Home Group: Impact Housing: Kendal Town Council: NFU customers: National Flood Forum: / NHS Direct: 111 (Also for prescription help & Advice) North West Electricity: Police: 101 (999 for Emergencies only) Red Cross: RSPCA: CCC Rural Wheels: RVS: or Samaritans: South Lakes Housing: Transco (Gas Leaks): Traveline (trains etc):

12 Two Castles Housing Association: (specifically for flood affected tenants) Victim Support (crime): For offers of help including volunteering, donations and accommodation please contact Cumbria County Council s Area Support Team on or southlakeland.areasupport@cumbria.gov.uk. Copies of this Bulletin can be picked up in your local library. This issue and all previous issues are also available via the Flood Feed on the County Council website: As mentioned above, the following two pages show copies of the details of who can apply for funding from the Cumbria Community Foundation Flood Relief fund and what costs can covered: 12

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