Flood help to continue into 2008

A Gloucestershire council said it was likely to be helping victims of the summer flooding well into the New Year.

A survey by Tewkesbury Borough Council revealed many people displaced from their homes were not expecting to be back until March 2008.

The town's mayor Phillip Awford said anyone who was living in a caravan and had not contacted the council should call after 2 January.

He said officers could help advise them of what financial help was available.

'Issues or concerns'

Of the 206 households who have informed the council that they have been living in caravans since August 2007, 205 have since been contacted by officers.

The council received responses from 162, and of those, 33 said they were no longer living in a caravan and had moved back into their property.

Those surveyed were given the opportunity to air any issues or concerns relating to their circumstances.

Officers offered advice and information on help that was available or gave immediate assistance where necessary.

Many requested help with their caravan hire and home heating costs, the council said.