FLOOD-hit householders are being encouraged to apply for extra help from the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund before the September 30 deadline.

Nineteen months after Storm Desmond hit the county, more than £9 million has been awarded by the fund to help more than 3,000 households rebuild their damaged homes and lives.

Cumbria Community Foundation, which manages the fund, is now urging people to ask for help with uninsured recovery costs as well as top-up grants for property resilience works that cost more than £5,000.

“As anyone who has been flooded will tell you, the experience is devastating and the effects are felt long after the water has subsided," said Dr Jenny Benson, flood fund programme manager.

"Many of the thousands of residents whose homes were flooded have experienced significant additional costs. Even those whose financial circumstances initially appeared comfortable have met with uninsured and unexpected losses.

"Some insurers will only pay for like-for-like reinstatement, rather than the inclusion of resilience measures, for example, raising the height of electrics, concrete floors or stainless steel kitchen units. The fund is able to offer financial assistance to support this type of work.”

Meanwhile, community groups directly affected by the floods and who need funding for uninsured recovery costs and property resilience measures have until August 11 to seek money from the fund.

Cumbria Community Foundation says it is embarking on the next step of helping communities to recover long term. "We have provided funding to a number of flood action and community emergency response groups to support the delivery of their longer-term community resilience plans," said Dr Benson. "Funding has already supported volunteer coordinators in Cockermouth, Keswick and Kendal and purchased volunteer equipment in other areas.

"The fund has not only helped residents with practical, financial and emotional support, it will also help to lay stronger foundations for future recovery programmes across the county.”

To make an application, visit www.cumbriafoundation.org, call 01900-825760 or email grants@cumbriafoundation.org