Fears grow as rain continues to hit Cumbria

Nov 25 2009 The Journal

Six bridges have already collapsed, causing major transport and logistical headaches for thousands of people.

The already ravaged town of Cockermouth is again bracing itself for rising water levels. Teams are reinforcing flood defences with sandbags and experts have been inspecting reservoirs, deploying pumping equipment and clearing debris.

However, while there is a possibility of further flooding, the Environment Agency said river levels were not expected to rise as high as last week.

Yesterday more people in Cockermouth returned to their premises to begin the slow clear-up process.

Alison Watson, 37, owns Al’s Toys on Main Street, which was devastated by the floodwater, and now cuddly toys, board games and Christmas gifts are strewn all over the floor.

“It couldn’t have happened at a worse time. It’s Christmas and we’re a toy shop,” she said. “All the kids’ Christmas toys come out of here.”