Homeowners in a flood-hit Isle of Wight village are welcome to apply for Southern Water's driveway replacement scheme, the utility firm has said, after some affected residents told the County Press they were not even aware of the initiative.

Earlier this week, the company sent out a press release saying it had been reimbursing Binstead residents to replace their impermeable paved and concrete driveways and yards with permeable alternatives, such as gravel and cobblestones.

Residents are offered up to £75 per sqm replaced.

Doing so slows the flow of rain by allowing it to slowly be absorbed into the environment instead of running straight into drains and the combined sewer network, Southern Water said.

However, some villagers, who were the worst affected by the events of last year, say this was the first they had heard of it.

Here's how to apply for the Southern Water driveway scheme

To apply for the Southern Water driveway scheme, email waterbutts@southernwater.co.uk

Ian Sanders, who lives on the corner of Binstead Road and Cemetery Road, was hit by devastating floods for the second time in two years, last October.

Read more: Isle of Wight flood victims in Binstead slam lack of action

He told the County Press he has had no contact about the driveways from Southern Water or the Isle of Wight Council.

When asked why some residents had not been told about the scheme, Southern Water said it had distributed 50 letters to properties and six had taken up the offer.

The firm said homeowners who did not receive letters are welcome to apply.

A spokesperson said: "Southern Water reviews all applications on a monthly basis, but priority will be given to addresses where driveway replacement will give the greatest overall benefit.

"While some properties may have experienced flooding, it is not necessarily the case that replacing their driveways will help to reduce the issue of excess rainwater running into the combined sewer network."

Binstead resident Adele Norman replaced her driveway and patio after suffering from garage flooding in the past.

She said she hopes her involvement in the programme will encourage other residents to consider the part they can play.

Since the pilot launched six months ago, almost 250 sqm of impermeable surfaces have been removed so far in Binstead, Southern Water said.