West Berkshire ’s biggest landlord has announced a discretionary payment, plus a £50 festive gift for residents, affected by the summer’s floods.

With the first phase of repairs to flood-damaged properties almost complete, Sovereign Housing Association said the 230 residents affected by the July disaster – largely in Thatcham and Pangbourne – would receive £50 of vouchers as a goodwill gesture, and a payment while they wait for their properties to be refurbished.

Sovereign Divisional Director Jim Holah said: “Although we’re making good progress, we can’t repair everywhere at once, and some residents will have to wait longer than others. But we want to thank them for their patience, and thought a discretionary payment and the shopping vouchers may help to make Christmas a little more bearable.”

Meanwhile, work started last week to repair 17 homes in Pangbourne, after parts of the village were flooded by rainwater in July. Camp Hopson Removals have helped Sovereign move residents out, who are either staying with relatives, living in caravans, or have moved into temporary accommodation.

And older residents of Gilbert Court in Thatcham can look forward to moving back in to their refurbished properties next month.

Mr Holah added: “The drying-out took longer than we thought, but we’re very grateful to the team at our contractor Topmarx for keeping the programme on track. We’re nearly there with repairs to properties in Whitaker Court and The Hollands too, and as soon as these families move back in, we’ll be able to start the next phase.”

The second phase in the £7.2m refurbishment programme will start in early February, on 40 properties in Loundyes Close and Baily Avenue. This phase is likely to last 12 weeks.

Published 19 December 2007
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