THE Leader of Devon County Council, Cllr John Hart, has welcomed the launch by the Devon Community Foundation of a Devon Flood Fund to assist people in the county affected by the recent flooding.

The Devon Community Foundation launched their appeal this week in response to people wanting to make donations to help those affected across the county.

The Foundation says it works closely with agencies across Devon to make sure that funds raised are used affectively by those most in need.

In an announcement this week, the Devon Community Foundation said: “The response within the communities themselves has been magnificent but there is only so much they can do for themselves.”

“Devon Community Foundation is urgently appealing for donations to relieve the immediate hardship people are facing and support their recovery over the coming weeks and months.

“With your help, we will help families and communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

The DCF has set a target to raise £100,000, with which it will provide emergency relief grants to people whose homes have been flooded to meet the immediate financial burdens of moving out – pumping and drying, and emergency repairs. These are £250 and usually awarded within 48 hours of receipt of an eligible application.

It will also help those who face additional financial burdens as a result of the flooding, for example through loss of earnings, extended daily commutes and school runs.

Support will be provided to local micro-businesses to ensure their survival and swift recovery – and counselling and support will be available.

Donations can be made in the following ways: Online, at www.justgiving.com/DevonFloodFund; text a donation to WAVE14 £(amount) to 70070; send a cheque payable to Devon Community Foundation and write Flood Fund on the back of the cheque. Send it to Devon Community Foundation. The Factory, Leat Street, Tiverton. EX16 5LL.

UK taxpayers can giftAid to add 25 per cent to their donation. This can be downloaded via their website.

Or call Devon Community Foundation on 01884 235887, Monday to Thursday.