A major programme to repair more than 200 rented homes damaged by the July floods in west Berkshire is underway, Sovereign Housing Association has announced. The first 35 homes now being repaired are mainly at Gilbert Court sheltered housing scheme, The Hollands and Whitaker Court - all in Thatcham.

The £7.2m project to replace kitchens, doors, replaster walls and restore floorboards and staircases will see nearly 20 properties brought back up to standard every month for the next year although work is continuing to try and reduce the p rogramme by three to six months.

In every case, Sovereign will have to find suitable alternative accommodation for affected residents while the work is completed.

Divisional Director Jim Holah said: “We’re talking £30,000 damage to a typical property, so extensive repairs are needed in most cases and it will take some time.

“We’re in regular contact with all our affected residents, and are phasing the work so that we prioritise the most vulnerable families and individuals. It is all about finding personal solutions for people.

“This is one of the biggest issues we’ve ever had to deal with, and we’ve really appreciated everyone’s patience while we sorted out the insurance assessment, hired in contractors, and drew up this p rogramme. Now we’re out there putting things right, we’re expecting good progress.”

On July 20, nearly three months of rain came down in two days, causing widespread damage centred on Thatcham, surrounding villages and parts of Newbury. Homes in Pangbourne were affected when the Thames overflowed in the Bourne Road area.

Immediately after, Sovereign provided skips and hippo bags, re-deployed 45 maintenance staff to help with the clean-up, and worked with the Community Furniture Project to deliver basic furniture to more than 60 homes.

Since then, Sovereign has begun re-housing residents from damaged properties, and working to significantly boost the number of residents who have contents insurance.

Published 22 October 2007
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