Floods fund-raisers given a £8.4m boost

The move is part of a multi-million pound package of Government support for areas hit by Storms Desmond and Eva at the end of last year.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark confirmed the Government will match, pound for pound, the funds raised by charities and community groups in flood-hit areas.

Mr Clark praised the dedication and commitment of charity groups and community foundations in raising the funds, and providing vital support to those “when they needed it most”.

The flooding caused devastation in towns and villages across Lancashire, including St Michaels.

All of them could benefit from the match funding.

Wyre MP Ben Wallace said: “I am delighted that local charities and constituents’ efforts will be matched with taxpayers’ cash. The efforts of the people of St Michaels and Churchtown hopefully will be enhanced with this funding”

Mr Clark said: “Whether it was helping with the clean-up operation, offering food and blankets or putting people in touch with much-needed legal or financial advice, an army of volunteers offered considerable support to people when they needed it most.”

More than £40m has been added to the country’s flood defence budget since the storms.