WYRE Forest District Council has been reimbursed £62,000 by the Government to help with the costs of dealing with this year’s floods.

The funding was awarded under the Bellwin scheme, which compensates local authorities for expenditure on emergency measures taken to safeguard life or property in exceptional circumstances.

Conservative Nathan Desmond, the district council’s cabinet member for resources and transformation, said: “When the floods hit we had many of our frontline workforce out helping those who were affected.

“Along with the emergency services our teams played a vital role in responding to households and businesses which were disrupted by the floods.

“Their work included flood prevention and then clearing up the mess and debris once the waters had subsided.

“We helped the Environment Agency putting up the barriers in Bewdley and we also supported Worcester City Council in its clean-up effort.

“All this came at a price and we are pleased that we have been reimbursed for the majority of the costs and that the efforts of our colleagues have been recognised.

“The grant will help keep the financial books balanced at a time of continuing funding reductions.”

Mark Garnier, Conservative MP for Wyre Forest, added: “I am delighted that the district council has been granted just over £62,000.

“The flooding this year led to unexpected costs for the local authority and its frontline staff worked tirelessly during the flooding to protect local residents and their property.

“This money recognises the hard work that Wyre Forest District Council put in during the floods and will ensure that it is not out of pocket because of this essential work.”