Flood victims get emergency fund

Up to 100 properties were flooded after the water mains burst

A £50,000 emergency fund has been set up by United Utilities to replace the essentials lost by people during flooding on Merseyside.

Up to 100 homes and businesses in Huyton and Prescot were damaged after contractors damaged a mains pipe in Page Moss Avenue on Monday.

United Utilities has given the up front payment to Knowsley Council to replace essential items quickly.

Loss adjusters are continuing to liaise with residents to assess damage.

Claims recovery

Gary Dixon, customer services director, said: "It is a priority for me that our customers who have been flooded at least have something to sit on and cook on while we continue to assess the damage and fast-track their claims.

"All other lost possessions will be covered through our claims recovery process, but we know from experience that some insurance companies are quicker to deal with than others.

"That's why we were keen to set up a process to make sure residents have the basics restored fast."

Since the burst, teams from the firm have been helping residents to remove damaged property and start the process of drying out homes.

United Utilities has urged any residents who have not yet been visited by one of its loss adjusters to get in touch.