A BASINGSTOKE housing association have been shortlisted for a national housing award for their contribution to flood relief efforts in a Basingstoke suburb.

Employees from Sovereign Housing Association are in the running for the “frontline team of the year” award at the 2015 Housing Heroes Awards for their efforts in helping people flooded out of their homes in Buckskin.

On February 8, 2014, following weeks of heavy rainfall, floodwater contaminated with sewage breached six properties in Sperrin Close, Buckskin.

Over the following days, a further 81 properties in Grampian Way, Exmoor Close, Bodmin Close, Antrim Close, Prescelly Close, Quantock Close and Holyrood Court were evacuated as groundwater flooding devastated the community, with families put into hotels and temporary accommodation.

The award, which is organised by Inside Housing magazine and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and is in its seventh year, showcase the people and teams that are doing exceptional work in the social and affordable housing sector.

Sovereign’s regional director for Hampshire, Luke Bingham, said: “Last year was an unprecedented one for the Hampshire housing team, defined as it was by our response to the floods in February.

“Within 24 hours, they had established round-the-clock support and a permanent presence at the flood command centre; they put in place an assistance package for flood-affected residents, including emergency accommodation, food vouchers, help with accessing furniture and white goods, assistance with transport to schools and a 24-hour emergency phone line.”

Emma Maier, editor of Inside Housing, added: “All the finalists have done incredibly well in getting this far because the standard of entries this year was stronger than ever.

“Congratulations to Sovereign’s housing team in Hampshire for being shortlisted. This is a real achievement in itself given there were almost 35 entries in some categories.”

The winner of the award will be revealed at a ceremony at the Exchange Hall in Manchester on Monday, June 22.