West Lindsey council offers flood prevention money

A Lincolnshire authority is asking for applications for £110,000 of flood prevention funding.

West Lindsey District Council said most of the money was earmarked for larger projects but £10,000 would go to parish councils.

Officials said areas affected by floods in 2007 would be first in line but all suitable schemes would be considered.

They added that parish councils could use their money to proactively manage smaller-scale flood threats.

Thousands of homes and businesses in Lincolnshire were affected when heavy rain overwhelmed drains and watercourses in June 2007.

The council said the focus of its support would be towards "partnership projects" which protected the most properties and where government funding had not been secured.

This could include organisations such as local businesses, water companies and the Environment Agency.

Chris Allen, Public Protection Services Manager at West Lindsey District Council, said: "Protection of these vulnerable communities is a high priority for the council, hence our investment of £100,000 to support partners to deliver prevention schemes."

He added: "Parish councils are best placed to know about and understand flooding issues within their areas.

"The grant may be used to train flood wardens, supply flood wardens with personal protective equipment or to pay for equipment and tools that may be needed during a flooding event."

There is no closing date for applications but the money is expected to go quickly, officials said.

The county council recently put 55,000 properties on a mobile phone alert system to warn of extreme weather.