HOMES and businesses that have been internally flooded in the last four months could be eligible for a government backed grant of up to £5,000.

The purpose of the grants is to help make eligible premises more resilient after flooding and help protect them from flooding.

Grants are intended for individual properties but schemes designed to protect small communities may also be considered.

To be eligible properties must have suffered internal flooding of habitable areas or business operational areas and grants cannot be made for repairs covered by insurance.

Cllr Emma Stokes, Wychavon District Council's board member for economy, regeneration and flooding, said: “Since 2007 Wychavon is much more resilient and able to deal with flooding.

"Previous initiatives such as flood alleviation schemes and property level protection schemes have made a huge difference to many people by keeping flood waters at bay.

“This is an opportunity to help even more householders and small businesses. We know of a very small number of businesses and homes affected by the recent flooding but all help is very welcome.

"We strongly encourage people to come forward and see if they could be eligible to receive this funding.”

Residents and business owners should first make sure their premises are registered with their local authority and will need to provide evidence of flooding.

Things the grant could be spent on are flood gates, air brick covers or moving sockets higher up

For more information, go to wychavon.gov.uk/floodfund or call 01386 565377.