CHESHIRE police and crime commissioner David Keane is encouraging community groups to apply for emergency funding to support residents who have been affected by flooding.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available for projects supporting those recovering from flood damage or people who have been evacuated from their homes due to the flood waters.

It’s after a major incident was declared in Cheshire yesterday as Storm Christoph caused heavy rainfall across the county.

Flood warnings and alerts have been put in place across Cheshire and some residents in Chester, Northwich, Tattenhall, Winsford and Warrington were evacuated from their homes.

The funding is part of PCC David Keane’s Safer Communities Fund, which is funded by money taken from Cheshire criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA 2002).

The PCC has awarded more than £75,000 as part of the emergency fund to communities groups or non-for-profit organisations across Cheshire since March 2020, mainly to those responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “The recent flood waters have had devastating effects across the county with many residents and businesses having to evacuate their homes and premises. This has been a concerning time for many residents, particularly in the midst of a pandemic.

“I want to ensure support is available for those in need and I am encouraging community groups supporting those who have been affected to apply for emergency funding from my Safer Communities Fund.

“The grants will be processed as quickly as possible to get funds to our communities at this critical time.”

For more information and an application form, please visit https://www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-i-do/making-cheshire-safer/proceeds-of-crimecommunity-fund/