RESIDENTS of flood-hit Buckskin can apply for a slice of £8,000 that has been donated to support those evacuated from their flooded homes.

As previously reported in The Gazette, trustees from the Worting Community Trust decided at a meeting on February 21 to release £5,000 from the trust’s reserves to help residents who have lost belongings, and who have had their homes damaged by floodwater.

The Buckskin Evangelical Church, in Chiltern Way, has since raised an additional £3,000 from a collection at a service on March 9.

The money will go to the Basingstoke (Buckskin) Flood Relief Fund, set up by the church, to combine with the Worting Community Trust funds. The church has sent letters to other churches in Basingstoke asking for donations to the fund.

A sub-committee has been formed to decide who should receive the money. It is made up of trustees from the church, Buckskin borough councillors Robert Taylor and Tony James, and Hampshire County Councillor for Basingstoke North West, Stephen Reid.

Residents who have been evacuated from their homes can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to buy items which they have lost in the floods.

Will Ross, pastor of Buckskin Evangelical Church told The Gazette: “I think it is a great start, and myself and Robert Taylor are looking to raise more money. A lot of people have been affected and we want to help as many people as we can.”

To apply for funding, contact Buckskin Evangelical Church on 01256 355363. All claims will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.