Farmers' flooding lifeline
A lifeline is being offered to farmers whose crops have been devastated by torrential rain and flooding in Worcestershire.
A hardship fund has been set up to help those worst affected. Robert Barlow, agricultural chaplain for the Diocese of Worcester, today said floods had caused considerable distress to farmers in the county.
He is backing the lifeline through the ARC-Addington Fund set up with donations from church congregations nationwide.
He said: "If there are local farmers needing the fund's help then I am happy to work with them to access it."
Farmers in the Wyre Forest area say they have endured their worst season for up to 40 years.
Rose Needham, joint owner of Chaddesley Growers Fruit Farm in Chaddesley Corbett, said takings were down 50 per cent on last year. She said: "There's nothing we want to remember about this summer."
Ian Bell, director of the ARC-Addington Fund originally set up to cope with the Foot and Mouth disaster, said: "The fund will provide a package of pastoral support and hardship payments to any farmers who have been adversely affected by the floods."
Farmers can call 0700 232 6326 to see if they qualify for financial help. Anyone wishing to support the scheme can send donations by contacting the ARC-Addington Fund on 0247 669 0587.
