Match of the day! Leeds flood relief fund gets £150k boost

Ministers have agreed to match every pound that has been raised by the Yorkshire Evening Post-backed Leeds Flood Appeal, it was announced today.

Their commitment means the £157,000 donated to the appeal has now doubled to around £314,000.

The fund was launched by the Leeds Community Foundation (LCF) charity to assist households, social enterprises and other groups affected by December’s flooding.

Hundreds of grants large and small have already been distributed, with recipients including the Burley Mill Allotment Association.

LCF chief executive Sally-Anne Greenfield said today: “We wanted to use our expertise to help local people and communities get back on their feet following the Boxing Day floods – our immediate response was to set up the Leeds Flood Appeal.

“We have been amazed at the response from individuals and companies across the UK who have generously supported the appeal.

“Without their donations, we would not have been able to help local people.

“We are continuing to receive applications and hear of more individuals and community groups who have suffered due to the floods.

“Therefore, we are absolutely delighted that we have been awarded government match funding that will help us make even more of a difference.

“These additional funds will go back into the community to assist with flood prevention to ensure the city does not face this devastation again.”

December’s floods were the worst to strike West Yorkshire for 70 years, with hundreds of homes and businesses being caught up in the chaos in Leeds alone.

Areas such as Kirkstall and Stourton’s Haigh Park Road were among the hardest hit by the deluge.