Prince Charles praises community spirit after floods

Nov 27 2009 By Matt McKenzie

THE Prince of Wales spoke today of the strength of the community spirit that will help those affected by the floods recover from their ordeal.

Charles said he had nothing but the ``greatest possible sympathy" for the residents of flood-hit Cumbria.

Writing in the Cumberland News and the News & Star newspapers, Charles said: ``I have nothing but the greatest possible sympathy for all those affected by the appalling floods.

``I can well imagine the devastation these will have caused but as a regular visitor to Cumbria I have personal experience of the strength of the community spirit which exists in this most beautiful of counties.

``It has been incredibly heartening to see how everyone - from the emergency services and volunteer groups - have worked together to provide the kind of mutual support necessary to get through this most terrible of ordeals.

``I am only too aware that recovery will take time, particularly for those rural communities which have found themselves isolated from the services of nearby towns."

The Prince continued: ``I do so hope that local businesses and the agricultural community might find a way to work together, not only to ensure their revival but also to help those most in need.

``For this reason, I have asked one or two of Britain’s most senior business leaders to come with me on my visit today so they can see at first hand what the particular problems and challenges are in case they might be able to do anything to help.

``I realise that, unfortunately, it will take many months before all the damage from last week’s floods is repaired.

``This work will obviously challenge everyone, but I have no doubt you will face this test with resilience and fortitude.

``My thoughts and prayers are with you all."

Charles was touring Cumbria today and tomorrow, spreading the message that the county is ``open for business".

He will share the honour of turning on Keswick’s festive lights with BBC presenter Julia Bradbury.

He will also meet residents and community organisations, and view flood-hit areas in the market town to see how affected businesses are getting back on their feet.

Cumbria Tourism, the lead organisation for an industry which employs one fifth of people in the county, wants visitors to see that many areas are largely unaffected by the floods and that it is safe to visit.

The organisation said worldwide coverage of the worst-hit area had triggered a series of ``knee-jerk cancellations", with some people aborting holidays which were booked for as far ahead as spring next year.