Flood victims critical of Healey letter

Saturday, December 06, 2008, 07:00

A LETTER sent to flood victims from Floods Recovery Minister John Healey has been criticised by a couple who are facing a second Christmas away from their home.

Mr Healey and Hull City Council leader Carl Minns have written to 12 families still living in caravans in Hull.

It comes after Mr Healey visited the region on Wednesday and promised an extra package of help for those still living in a caravan, including safety checks and a "Santa package" of free show tickets and entry to sports centres or events for children in displaced families.

However, Jan and Dave Tanton, who are living in a touring van parked in the alley behind their flood-hit home in west Hull, have criticised the letter, claiming it offers little help.

The letter states: "We want to assure you and other families still living in caravans that you have not been forgotten and that our thoughts are with you.

"You are not alone and we want to offer you our support."

Mrs Tanton, 63 said: "The letter states we may be entitled to help, not that we are entitled to it, and it does not even say how we can get this so called help.

"They are sending it so they can say they have done something for us.

"They say they are thinking about us, but unless they have been flooded they can't even comprehend what it is like for us."

The letter also states flood victims could be entitled to up to £200 towards their energy costs.

However, the Tantons say it does not explain how they can get the cash.

Mrs Tanton said: "It's no use to us. Again we will be the ones chasing them, like it has been from the beginning, it's soul-destroying.

"We use two gas cannisters a week to heat the caravan, which cost £25 each.

"It just seems they have no idea."

A Hull City Council spokeswoman said: "Everyone who has been sent a letter will automatically be contacted by the council regarding the additional assistance offered, including the £200 towards energy costs.

"If anyone who received a letter has a query they can call the phone number included."

Mr Healey and East Riding Council leader Stephen Parnab have written to 72 households in the East Riding who are still living in caravans following the floods.

Mr and Mrs Tanton are now preparing to highlight Hull's forgotten flood victims by making an appearance on GMTV on Monday.