Flood-hit Isle of Wight village residents, who took matters into their own hands and forked out thousands of pounds for their own defence schemes after a "lack of action" from authorities, are “unlikely” to be reimbursed, a meeting has heard.

But good news is on the horizon, Binstead councillor, Ian Dore, has said, assuring eligible locals they will get what they need to ensure their properties are "safe and secure".

Nine months after flooding tore through homes — the second time in two years — a meeting was held for residents of 34 affected homes, last night.

Press were excluded, but speaking afterwards, residents told the County Press they were "encouraged" by plans to deliver a Property Flood Resilience (PFR) scheme.

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"More has happened in the last 18 months to two years than it has in the last eight years", Cllr Dore, who has spearheaded the campaign, said.

"There are some real progressive steps taking place."

Residents in last night's meetingResidents at last night's meeting (Image: Cllr Ian Dore)

In total, £1.3 million has now been established for flood mitigation works in the village, which the PFR element forms part of.

A set of surveys is to be carried out at each affected property. If eligible, work will be arranged by an Environment Agency (EA) project manager.

Cllr Dore said: "The good thing is it's fully funded and not capped. There's a real range. It could be three grand's worth, could be 15 grand's worth."

Ian and Karen Sanders, who live on the corner of Binstead Road and Cemetery Road and were hit by devastating floods for the second time in two years, last October, said the scheme sounded "encouraging" but "let's wait and see".

Ruined belongings left outside a house in Binstead, after last October's flooding.Ruined belongings left outside a house in Binstead, after last October's flooding. (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Arnold Road, where self-made flood defences have been installed Arnold Road, where self-made flood defences have been installed (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

Meanwhile, Sharne Morgan and Daryl White, who are landlords of a flood-hit property on Binstead Road, told the County Press the latest developments are "positive".

After a lack of action over eight years to protect their properties, some residents have paid for flood defences out of their own pockets.

However, they were told by the council and EA last night they were not likely to get that money back.

Pledging to fight residents' corner, Cllr Dore said: "I might be able to work around that as a councillor but within the current framework there is no way. But that doesn't mean I can't try."

A project manager has been appointed to oversee the PFR programme. She is on secondment to the council three days a week, for two years.

Cllr Dore said he hopes to have a public meeting in the near future.