THOSE suffering from the long-term impact of Storm Henk in January can now apply for funding after Shropshire Council confirmed it has unlocked grants.

Storm Henk battered the region on Tuesday, January 2 leaving much of north Shropshire under water, especially the villages south east of Oswestry such as Melverley, Maesbrook and Crew Green.

However, residents and businesses have just two weeks to make their applications after Shropshire Council was forced to delay opening the applications in order to demonstrate to the Government that funding was needed.

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Businesses and residents whose properties were affected by Storm Henk are being urged to apply for a series of grants by Sunday, April 7 with grants including £500 for flooded households in affected areas can apply for up to £500, to give cash to help with immediate costs.

Households and businesses significantly affected by flooding will be eligible for 100 per cent council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.

Small-to-medium sized businesses in affected areas will be eligible for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant, to help them return to business as usual.

Eligible flood-hit property owners will be able to apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding, via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

Ian Nellins, deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, and Cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “I am pleased and relieved that we can now open the flood recovery grants to property and business owners internally flooded during Storm Henk, which affected the county in early January.

“We know that flooding has had a devastating effect on people and businesses across the county, and it is essential that our communities have the support they need to recover and get back to normal.

“We are aware that many people have already been in contact with the council because their property has been affected during the flooding, and Shropshire Council is absolutely committed to continue its efforts to support those affected.

“A large number of business and residential properties were affected by Storm Henk, and we would urge those eligible for the scheme to apply straight away, so they do not miss out on financial support that they may be eligible for.

“However, we do recognise that the criteria for applying for the grant is quite extensive, so we strongly advise people to read through it thoroughly before applying.

“Those who don’t qualify can still seek advice and support from the National Flood Forum.”

To gather the information on the impacts of Storm Henk, the council has been working extensively with its community support teams, Environment Agency, town councils, parish councils, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations to gather the number of known flooded properties across the county.

Following a community meeting held in Shrewsbury, additional affected properties were identified, to reach the 50 properties threshold.

Although Storm Henk caused impacts across the county, only the flooding of habitable areas of a property can be counted towards this total, meaning the flooding of roads, gardens, garages and outbuildings is not eligible.

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These criteria and property thresholds are set by the Government, and outside the council’s control. 

Businesses and residents need to register their application by Sunday, April 7.

To register, go to www.shropshire.gov.uk/stormhenkrelief