THE deadline for people to apply to Swindon Council for flood relief money has been extended by a fortnight because of a late flurry of interest.

As reported in Saturday's Advertiser only 30 people applied for a share of the cash, which is part of a £250,000 relief fund handed to Swindon Council by the Government following the floods on July 20.

Residents did have until Monday to register a claim, but the deadline has now been extended until noon on Monday, November 19, following a surge of last-minute inquiries.

The grants are not intended to cover financial losses, which are covered by insurance, but are designed instead to be used for a wide range of other expenses, such as replacement of essential household items and temporary accommodation.

The money will be paid to people whose homes have been badly damaged inside by flood water but will not cover damage to garages, outbuildings, gardens and basement cellars.

The amount of money given in each grant will be determined by individual circumstances, within the overall amount available. Evidence will need to be submitted to support all applications.

Coun Fionuala Foley, deputy leader of Swindon Council, said: "So far we have received more than 50 applications. But because of a late flurry of interest, we have decided to extend the deadline so that everyone has an opportunity to submit a claim."

Application forms can be downloaded from the council website at www.swindon.gov.uk or collected from the council offices in Euclid Street.

"After considering a number of options and listening to the views of local people at the recent special scrutiny meeting we believe this is the best way of using the money we have been given.

"A priority list of potential flood alleviation schemes is currently being drawn up by engineers and will be published on the council's website and in the December edition of the council's newspaper for residents, Swindon News.