Since Monday 23 November, Cumbria County Council has taken the lead in co-ordinating the recovery operation for flooding in Cumbria. The Farming Community is being supported by the Environment Recovery Subgroup which includes membership from local authority, Natural England, The Environment Agency, The National Farmers Union (NFU), as well as a range of other appropriate bodies.

Farming flood bulletins

Farming flood bulletins are produced regularly to keep you up to date with support and funding information and rural recovery activity.

Title	Date	Size
Farming flood bulletin - Issue 4 - 10 May	20/05/2010	159k
Farming flood bulletin - issue 3 - 26 Mar	25/03/2010	204k
Farming flood bulletin - issue 2 - 26 Feb	01/03/2010	88k
Farming flood bulletin - Issue 1 - 25 jan	25/01/2010	191k

Farming factsheets

Factsheets have been produced to provide more detailed information for key issues relating to flooding and rural recovery.

Title	Date	Size
Gravel removal/recycling options	01/03/2010	80k
Environment Agency frequently asking question	01/03/2010	76k
Frequently asked questions	25/01/2010	174k
Available support	25/01/2010	403k
Post flood clean-up guidance	25/01/2010	170k

Available support

Flood Debris Recovery Grants

For more information on the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) funding of up to £6,800 which is available to help remove flood debris from the most severely affected farms visit the RDPE section. Closed to new applicants 26 February 2010.

ARC Addington Trustees Discretionary Fund

This fund can pay a one-off payment of £2,000 for costs over and above normal farming activity costs. Flood affected farmers may be eligible for help with debris clearance where the cost will be more than the RDPE Flood Debris Recovery Grant limit above.

Applicants should send a copy of their quote along with their application form.

Business planning

The North West Development Agency via Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has made available additional support which will enable eligible businesses to access specialist advice, funding for training and interest relief. The funding is being co-ordinated by Business Link North West.

Business Link can also support you through your Debris Recovery Grant application.

Business Link can be contacted for business support 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-2pm during weekends on 0845 0066888. You can also visit the Business Link North West website (external link).