HELP is on hand from this week for worried residents affected by the devastating floods after the Citizens Advice Bureau stepped in to help with the aftermath.

High Wycombe and District Citizens’ Advice Bureau has been handed extra government funding to lend an ear to flood-hit communities and give advice on picking up the pieces.

A phone line has been up set up for those seeking help as they try to rebuild their lives following the floods, which forced many residents out of their homes in areas around Marlow.

And as part of the outreach work, appointments to meet an advisor at All Saints Church Hall on the Causeway, Marlow, can be arrranged for people to discuss financial and personal problems arising from the floods.

Mary Nash, development manager at Wycombe CAB, said: “Flooding has enormous knock-on effects. Damage to homes creates upheaval, wrecked transport links prevent people getting to work and problems with insurance policies can lead to long-term financial stress.

“People bearing the brunt of flood damage need responsive, tailored support. The Government has recognised that Citizens Advice Bureaux are well-placed to deliver help to shell-shocked communities and is providing funding to High Wycombe and District Citizens Advice Bureau to ensure people can recover from the damage.

“This will be spent directly on outreach work in communities devastated by recent storms and resulting floods.”

A £250,000 fund has been issued for Citizens’ Advice Bureaux in flood-affected areas to help people rebuild their lives.

Residents in Marlow, Bisham, Bourne End and Medmenham were forced to leave their homes after the Thames reached near-record levels earlier this month.

Evacuees have been forced to make other arrangements while they wait for floodwaters to subside, with some staying at hotels and guest houses across Marlow.

Wycombe’s CAB was set up 75 years ago and is based on Easton Street, High Wycombe.

Nationally, the bureau helped 2.1million people last year, and campaigns on a range of issues.

Ms Nash said: “We’re not just here in times of crisis, we also use clients’ stories anonymously to campaign for policy changes that benefit the population as a whole.

“We are free, independent, confidential and impartial and we empower people to exercise their rights and responsibilities."

Wycombe and district CAB’s dedicated flood advice line is 0333 2408252, or alternatively visit www.adviceguide.org.uk

Outreach appointments at All Saints Church Hall must be scheduled in advance.