Scale of Cumbrian flood damage is revealed as families return home

Nov 24 2009 by Michael Wood, The Journal

PEOPLE in flood-hit Cockermouth were allowed back to their homes and businesses to begin the clean-up yesterday as forecasters warned that more heavy rain could bring fresh misery.

Police lifted the cordon around the 900 affected properties in the Cumbrian town so flood victims could see for themselves what damage had been done.

Many were emotional as they opened their front doors to be confronted by broken furniture, floors carpeted in mud and water-ruined stock.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn told MPs further heavy rain was expected in Cumbria overnight and there could be further flooding.

Meanwhile, it was announced that the Prince of Wales will visit flood-affected Cumbrian communities on Friday.

Charles, who visits the county at least once a year, has also made a donation to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund, Clarence House said.

Many homes and businesses in Cumbria remained cut off by collapsed or damaged bridges yesterday.

Structural engineers and military experts were continuing an urgent safety review of the county’s 1,800 bridges amid fears that Calva bridge in Workington was on the brink of being swept away.

Tony Cunningham, Labour MP for Workington, said getting from the town to nearby Seaton had turned into a 90-mile journey.

He suggested temporary structures might need to go up in the short term, adding: “My major concern is residents who are cut off. Things are getting desperate.”

Senior emergency planning officials met to discuss how the destroyed and damaged bridges should be replaced.

A county council spokesman said the possibility of using Second World War-style military Bailey bridges was discussed over the weekend, but a civilian option was more likely.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced emergency funding to help rebuild bridges and roads.

He said the extra money would be made available to local authorities via the Department for Transport.