In response to the recent severe flooding that disrupted lives across Somerset, Wells MP James Heappey has announced that over 100 homeowners and business operators in the county will now have access to a government grant of up to £5,000.

This initiative aims to help them implement flood prevention measures and manage the aftermath of the damage caused by extensive rainfall this winter.

During a speech in Westminster Hall, Heappey highlighted the significant impact of the floods on his constituency, particularly in smaller villages such as Coxley, North Wootton, Godney, and Croscombe.

The MP has been actively involved, visiting the affected areas and interacting with residents and farmers who have suffered repeated flooding, some experiencing inundation up to four times in recent months.

Heappey's discussions with the Environment Agency and Somerset Council led to a broader conversation about the need for consistent governmental support.

"We are used to water in Somerset and so this is not alarmist," he said. "Sometimes, it happens more than is acceptable and it is important when that happens the Government listens.

"Fields have been under water for months, meaning that they will not be as productive this coming summer as they would have. Farmers are going to need support, and some homes in my constituency have flooded four or more times in the last five or six months."

As a result of this, there has been much discussion regarding the accessibility of grants for those impacted so adversely.

Robbie Moore MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed to Mr Heappey that residents in Somerset are now able to apply for up to £5000 to help pay for measures to help protect their property from flooding in the future.

He said: "I want to confirm to those constituents in the Somerset County Council area that they are eligible to receive money through the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme. The threshold has been met in the affected area and I really do want to reassure those in Somerset."

Mr Heappey added: "I am so pleased the Minister and the Department have opened these grants for affected constituents in Somerset. The Council were unable to give financial reassurance to those affected and so I am pleased the Government has been able to provide certainty.

"I am clear this is not going to be a one-off winter and prevention measures are crucial with dealing with flooding in this area.

"It was so important the Government listened to the stories of not only individuals but farmers I have met whose livelihood has been affected by the volume of water we have experienced over the past 12 months or so."