Fund set up for victims of flood

More than a dozen local businesses were affected by the bad weather

An appeal fund has been set up to help people in east Devon whose homes were flooded when a storm struck last week.

East Devon District Council has set up a bank account where people can donate money to help those affected by the bad weather which hit overnight Thursday.

Damage to homes and firms in Ottery St Mary, which was worst hit, is estimated at hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Cheque and postal orders should be made out to the Ottery St Mary Flood Relief Fund and sent to EDDC's Knowle offices.

Jamie Buckley, EDDC's Engagement and Funding Officer, said: "Following an incident like this, people often need some extra help to pay for dealing with damage to homes and belongings.

"The relief fund should help in the medium to long term."

Free parking

The council is also investigating other existing sources of funding and advice to help those affected by the floodwaters which reached up to 4ft (1.2m) high in some parts of Ottery St Mary.

In addition they are set to consider a request by traders in the town who are asking for free parking there to help boost business.

More than a dozen shops and businesses in the town were hit by flooding and although most have re-opened, others are still waiting for insurance assessments and repairs.

A spokesperson for the council added: "We will try to support everyone affected by the floods as much as we can and will consider all suggestions."