A COUNCIL has been rewarded with more than £56,000 from the Government for its work supporting flood victims.

The grant, totalling £56,646, is intended to reimburse the council for the council tax discounts, damaged goods clearances and emergency housing efforts it made following severe flooding in the district in August 2013.

The cash will also go towards the council-founded Forum for Surface Water Flooding Issues, which was set up as a problem-solving group to bring together organisations responsible for watercourses, ditches and drains across the district.

The council has also agreed with the forum’s recommendation of spending £11,000 for works at Rawreth Brook in Fairmead and Boston Avenue in Rayleigh.

A further £9,000 has been allocated for work at Nobles Green Ditch at Bramfield Road East in Rayleigh, as well as funds being allocated to dig a new ditch to the rear of Blower Close, Rayleigh.

Works have also been completed at Sweyne Park and other agencies across the district have begun works after being made aware of issues.

Council deputy leader and forum deputy chairman Keith Hudson said: “The events of August 2013 were devastating for those who were flooded out of their homes and it’s only right that we provided council tax discounts and support where we could.

“I’m pleased that we have been successful in applying for a Government grant which will help reimburse us for this work, and for the ongoing efforts of the Forum for Surface Water Flooding Issues.

“This Forum has highlighted the need for immediate maintenance works across the district, and has driven it forward.

“It has also ensured close working with other authorities such as the Environment Agency, Essex Highways, and the Essex County Council Flood Management Team, to provide resilience for the future.”