5/6/2008

NEW HOPE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

Flood victims in Gloucestershire still homeless nearly a year after last summer's crisis are to be given a date for moving back into their properties.

As the anniversary of the devastating floods approaches householders forced from their homes into temporary accommodation, are to get a full update and an indication of when they can expect to return home.

Almost one year on from, Floods Recovery Minister John Healey is keen that insurance customers and council tenants are clear about when they will fully return home.
 

On visits to flood-hit areas, families had told Mr Healey that being updated on progress of repairs and knowing when they will return home had made a big difference in easing stress levels as it allows them to make plans for the future and get on with their lives.

Figures for flooded areas, including Gloucestershire, showed the numbers of households living in caravans fell by 40 per cent between March and April.

But around 5,650 households were still not fully back home by the end of April.

Latest Government data shows that nearly a thousand families in Gloucestershire have still not been able to move back home after last year's floods.

In Cheltenham there are still 63 displaced households, in Cotswold 193; Gloucester 176; Stroud 22; Tewksbury 382; and Forest of Dean 17.

Are you still living in temporary accomodation, if so contact our newsdesks on 01242 271820 or 01452 420621.