25/11/2009 - Cumbria County Council welcomes confirmation of government support for flood recovery work : Cumbria County Council

Council leaders have welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to provide the funding and resources needed to restore Cumbria’s critical infrastructure.

Speaking in the House of Commons today during Prime Minister's Questions, Gordon Brown confirmed that the Department of Transport will meet the costs of road and bridge repairs and also the costs of improving rail links in cut-off communities. The Prime Minister also praised "the outstanding job" of emergency services and all agencies involved who have "been working round the clock".

Key roads and bridges across the county have been devastated by unprecedented flooding, leaving communities isolated from essential services.

Top priority will be the restoration of transport links across the River Derwent in Workington. The town is currently divided following the collapse of North Bridge and serious structural damage to Calva Bridge. A simple journey across town which previously took minutes, now requires a twenty mile detour taking up to three hours because of traffic congestion.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Leader of Cumbria County Council, said: "I have spoken to Gordon Brown about the help we need and we have had high level discussions with the Department for Transport to help them understand the impact of the floods and the specific support we need to get things back to normal.

"I am very pleased that they have listened to us and responded promptly with a firm commitment which will now allow us to move quickly to restore transport links with temporary bridges, and to begin planning longer term solutions.

"Engineers from our Highways Department and other organisations met on site in Workington today to explore possible plans. Local people can now be assured that links between their divided community will be restored as quickly as possible.

"Today’s announcement address some of our priority issues around the transport infrastructure –but there are many other issues we need to address. The county council began conversations with a range of government departments as soon as the devastating impact of the floods became clear. We will build on these over the weeks and months to come as the true consequences and the costs of recovery become known.

"The road to recovery will be long and difficult. Cumbria may not be in the national media spotlight for very much longer, but we must ensure that we are not forgotten. We will make sure that this is not the case."

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Stewart Young added: "Today’s announcement is the result of a concerted effort by county council officers and politicians to make sure that everyone in central government, from the Prime Minister down, fully understand Cumbria’s plight.

"It is a very positive start to the recovery process and we welcome it wholeheartedly. But it is only the start of the journey –and we hope that the government will continue to listen to us in the weeks and months to come."

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332