Cash to aid flood-hit communities

Thousands of homes in Hull were damaged by the floods

Four local authorities are to receive a share of more than £300,000 to help them recover from last summer's floods.

The payments are being made under a scheme to give special financial assistance to authorities facing huge costs in the wake of major emergencies.

The largest sums will go to East Riding of Yorkshire Council (£197,485) and Cotswold District Council (£87,432).

Bridgnorth Council in Shropshire will receive £5,244 and Vale of White Horse Council in Oxfordshire gets £24,449.

'Extraordinary work'

Floods recovery minister John Healey said: "Last summer, we saw the worst floods in this country for over a century.

"I made many visits to the affected areas, and saw for myself the extraordinary work of councils and other agencies to help and support those communities.

"But I am aware that while the flood waters have receded, there is still a long way to go. That is why more government support will be available, including further Bellwin payments."

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has already received a payment of £1,531,242 under the Bellwin scheme.

Bridgnorth District Council has already been given £32,002.