A COUNCIL has been awarded just over £62,000 to help with the costs it incurred in dealing with the floods at the start of the year.

Wyre Forest District Council has claimed back a large part of the expense under the Bellwin Scheme.

It allows councils to obtain retrospective financial help from the government for the exceptional costs it incurs during an emergency.

Councillor Nathan Desmond, the 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 business which were disrupted by the floods.

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

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

"All this was at a cost and we are pleased that we have been reimbursed for the majority of the costs and the efforts of our colleagues recognised.

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