£133,000 is raised to help victims of Morpeth floods

Nov 1 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

VOLUNTEERS who have raised a magnificent s133,000 for Morpeths flood victims expect half of the cash to be swallowed up by initial relief grants to hundreds of affected households.

The towns Lions Club launched the Flood Victims Appeal Fund shortly after 1,000 homes and businesses were hit by the September 6 catastrophe when the River Wansbeck burst its banks following torrential rain.

The appeal has brought in a total of s133,000 thanks to generous donations from businesses, fellow Lions Clubs, individuals and other sources, as well as events such as the recent Riverstorm charity rock concert at Newcastle City Hall.

Now Morpeth Lions say they expect about 50% of the fund to be used up by the initial round of s100 grants to an estimated 600 affected households.

Cheques are already finding their way to victims.

After the initial grants are handed out to eligible households, the remainder of the fund will be used to help high-priority cases such as uninsured elderly people who require extra assistance with getting back to a normal life.

The Red Cross will be asked to use their expertise to prioritise cases and help decide to whom the second round of grants should be made and for what sums.

Yesterday Morpeth Lions said the appeal fund will accept donations for as long as is necessary, and stressed the need for people, businesses and organisations to continue giving generously.

Treasurer Simon Pringle said: People are still submitting claims. The next stage will be when people start getting back into their homes, which could be several months from now, and know exactly what they are facing.

It is going to be a harder job prioritising these claims and we will be guided by the Red Cross.

We will be looking at elderly people who have found themselves uninsured or under-insured as top priorities, but all applications will be dealt with on their merits. People have been incredibly generous and we would ask that they continue supporting the appeal fund.

Meanwhile, appeals for donations of furniture to help flood victims have been temporarily suspended until people start getting back into their homes.

Donations to the Flood Victims Appeal can be made to NatWest Bank, Morpeth, Sorting Code 54.10.45, Account Number 17540321, or sent to Simon Pringle at 20 Queensway, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2BG.

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