Flood funds up in the air

Pubs have been left in the dark over whether they will get extra cash to protect against flooding.

A total of £34.5m has been made available to better protect the UK's homes and businesses against flooding ­ but it is not clear if pubs are in line for the cash.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is to spend £125,000 on a website and phone line to help water-logged businesses.

However, a spokesperson said: "We're not separating it out by sector ­ its more about specific actions which are going to effect everybody rather than particular businesses."

Residents and businesses in Leeds, Nottingham, Cumbria, Lancashire and East Sussex will be the first to receive grants in a pilot scheme.

Kieran Meehan, assistant manager at the Cock and Bull in Uckfield, East Sussex, which has been flooded three times in eight years, said he was "excited" by the possibility of receiving the money.

DEFRA confirmed that £30,000 has been made available to seven businesses in Uckfield.

Kieran said: "The drains get blocked, and the cellar floods so hopefully we will get some money."

Last summer, the Greene King pub ploughed ³tens of thousands of pounds² into a cellar refurbishment after flooding destroyed the floorboards, blinds and entire stock.

But the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations warned licensees in flood-prone areas not to rely solely on state help.

Chief executive Tony Payne said: "If a licensee knows they are in an affected area, they need to review their pub themselves."

For more information call DEFRA on 08459 335577 or visit www.defra.gov.uk