More rain forecast for flood hit Cumbria

Nov 22 2009 Sunday Sun

Both rivers that run through Cockermouth burst their banks, blocking roads and forcing around 500 people to leave their homes.

Four bridges collapsed in the county and schools were used as makeshift community centres after the deluge struck.

Yesterday in Cockermouth, the devastation left behind by the flood was revealed as the waters subsided and an army of council workers, police, fire, RNLI and paramedics were stationed in car parks as the town began the clear-up.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown journeyed to Cumbria to see the flood damage firsthand and meet people affected.

He joined Environment Minister Hilary Benn and met members of the emergency services at Penrith police station.

The Prime Minister said: “Thank you for the coordinated work you’ve done and the superb response you’ve given.

“The way the emergency services have come together has given the whole country pride in what you do.

“I’m sorry about the loss of PC Bill Barker, and I know he was a very brave and heroic man.

“What you have done over the last few days is tackle one of the greatest rainfalls we’ve seen in our country and you’ve done it with such superb organisation that I wanted to tell you on behalf of the whole country how proud we are of you.”

Tony Cunningham, MP for Workington, said the town’s port had closed down and people were following police advice and staying indoors.

He said: “People are trying to clean up and board up windows. “There are many broken buildings in Cockermouth, but the people are not broken.”

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