Mr Healey will be keeping a close eye on progress over the coming weeks and today outlined progress being made.
- Communities and Local Government officials are working with Northumberland County Council and Castle Morpeth Borough Council on applications for financial support to cover costs of responding to the floods under the Bellwin scheme. John Healey announced activation of this scheme while on his visit to Morpeth earlier this month.
- Following his letter to One North East, Mr Healey has had confirmed that the regional development agency has made £500,000 available to affected businesses, to help with immediate costs. Applications from local businesses are already being processed, and a helpline has been set up by the local Business Link.
- The Federation of Small Businesses has set-up an interest-free loan scheme for it's North East Members.
- Government Office for the North East helped establish a multi-agency support group to manage the removal of 800 animals killed in the floods. One NorthEast also provided funding.
- Recovery and Restoration Groups in Castle Morpeth and Alnwick are offering guidance and support to local residents. Representatives of the councils, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbria Police have visited local residents to discuss the support available. The National Flood Forum, which was created in the aftermath of the Carlisle floods in 2005, is advising the Recovery and Restoration Groups on the likely issues they will face, and will have to plan for, as the recovery effort continues.
- Householders in Rothbury unable to return home due to the damaged caused by flooding are being rehoused in holiday accommodation by Alnwick District Council.
- Castle Morpeth Borough Council managed to secure accommodation for 50 households severely affected by the flooding in less than 24 hours. Contingency plans for another caravan site have been commissioned should further demand arise from other residents.
- The latest reports from insurance industry chiefs show that loss adjusters are working on the ground, and claims are being processed with no particular delays.
Floods Recovery Minister John Healey said:
"From the market traders who returned just three days after the floods to the Tour of Britain passing through the town, Morpeth and surrounding areas are sending a clear message that they are open for business.
"I have been impressed at the way in which councils, voluntary organisations and other local agencies have come together to help communities get back to normal.
"But I know that the problems do not go away with the flood waters. That is why I want to see communities getting the support they need for as long as they need it – whether financial support, through the Bellwin scheme, for local authorities or practical help for local businesses and families.
"I will be keeping in touch with all the local agencies in the Morpeth area over the coming weeks, to ensure this support continues."
Mr Healey also praised the efforts businesses and voluntary groups have come together to support the local community, and the efforts being made to get back to normal as quickly as possible:
- The Morpeth and Ashington Lions Club have launched a flood relief appeal with the Leeds Building Society. So far, the Morpeth Lions Disaster Fund has raised £40,000.
- Community groups in Morpeth have set up a drop-in centre, for affected families to use for a break from the clean-up operation. This includes access to telephones and the Internet.
- Players and staff from Morpeth Rugby Club have helped residents in their clean-up operations.
- The Morpeth Lions and Roundtable have set up a furniture warehouse using donated goods for those who urgently need new furniture.
- Morpeth Methodist Church offers a free laundry service, offering washing, drying and ironing services for those affected by the floods.
