A FLOOD relief fund that was set up a month after groundwater flooding devastated the Buckskin area has helped more than 30 families to rebuild their lives.

As reported by The Gazette, the Buckskin Flood Relief Fund was set up by Buckskin Evangelical Church, in Chiltern Way, to raise funds for residents who were flooded out of their homes.

The group is chaired by church pastor Will Ross, and includes Hampshire County Councillor Stephen Reid and Buckskin borough councillors Tony Jones and Nigel Pierce.

In the 11 months since the fund was created, donations totalling £36,000 have been received from more than 70 different churches, charities, businesses and individuals across Basingstoke.

The fund has awarded grants totalling £18,000 to around 30 families to help them rebuild their homes and purchase items such as white goods, furniture and carpets.

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Will said: “The flooding last year was a tragedy for the community of Buckskin; so many lives were badly affected as they had to leave the homes and community they loved.

“It has been wonderful to see the generosity of so many individuals and organisations giving to help the people of Buckskin.

“Over the year, the flood fund committee has had the real privilege to be able to serve the community and bring some assistance and relief so that people can go back to their homes and pick up their lives once again.”

Residents who were evacuated from their homes because of the flooding can still apply for grants of up to £1,000 to buy items they have lost during the floods.