Victims of the floods in Salford last year are running out of time to claim for cash to protect against flooding.
The council estimates there are 250 households who have not come forward to access government grants of up to £5,000. So far only 53 households have successfully applied and received a total of £265,000.
The deadline for applications is the end of October.
The money is available to victims of the floods on Boxing Day last year who want to put in steps to try and stop future flooding or speed the recovery process if water gets in the property.
It is available for home owners whilst tenants will benefit from their landlords’ application. Salix Homes had an application approved for 322 of their properties.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The flood was a disaster for local people and my heart goes out to them and their families who suffered such devastation.
“Nine months on people can still apply for money to future protects their homes. I am personally writing a letter to encourage each householder again to make sure they are aware so they do not miss out.
“We have to be prepared if extreme rainfall hits us again.”
The call for money comes as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) releases a statutory report on events in Boxing Day last year.
It saw more than 2,250 homes and 500 businesses in the city-region were flooded, more than 31,200 properties lost their power supplies and damage to infrastructure totalled £11.5m.
The report highlighted that Salford would be better protected through a second flood basin, due to open later this year. And the various authorities will work with the local community further defences.
Salford City Council has also released its own incident report which analyses the floods in detail and provides an action plan for the future.
Councillor Derek Antrobus said: “We will work with the local community to provide the best defences possible and to look at all the options suggested by the report.
“But we have to recognise that even the best defences can be overwhelmed in extreme weather such as that experienced on Boxing Day. So we have to make sure we are better prepared to cope with floodwater both through emergency planning and flood-proofing properties.”
Residents can apply for grants by visiting http://www.salford.gov.uk/advice-and-support/flood-support-and-advice-storm-eva/support-to-residents/
