DOZENS of flood-hit Hampshire households have claimed grants from Winchester City Council.

So far 39 grants, totalling £98,000, have been awarded to ease hardship for people affected by the deluge last January.

The flooding badly affected villages such as Hambledon, Littleton, Kings Worthy and Bramdean.

The money has been awarded under the Government’s Flooding Repair and Renewal Grant scheme managed by the city council.

Sixty-five application shave been received and only two have been rejected. Most have gone to homes rather than businesses. Only two went to commercial premises, said a spokesman.

The scheme was promoted widely between April and June, including flood clinics in the worst-affected places and home-visits in Hambledon.

Grants have been given for a range of measures from sump pumps and flood barriers to improvements to septic tanks.

Amounts given varied from a few hundred pounds up to a maximum £5,000.

Victoria Weston, deputy leader of Winchester City Council, said: “This is a very positive outcome for flood-affected Winchester. It has involved significant staff resources in terms of time and I congratulate all those involved on an excellent team effort.”

Although it is anticipated that the bulk of applications have been made, claims are still being considered.