5 Information for residents and businesses - Issue 5 - Friday 27 November ExtremeBrought toweather you by all public sector organisations in in Cumbria

Exactly a week after floods hit part Bulky household waste of Cumbria, a massive effort from Waste collections communities and a wide range of In order to help with the incredibly agencies and voluntary organisations Emergency Household Waste difficult circumstances that residents has seen life returning to normal for Centre in are dealing with due to flood most of the county. Selected parts To help people dispose of any damage, Borough Council of Cumbria - particularly Keswick, household items damaged as a result and South Lakeland District Cockermouth, Ulverston and of flooding Council will help residents with - are still suffering from will be opening an emergency extra support regarding the removal the aftermath of the floods, with household waste centre on a of household waste damaged by people unable to return to their temporary basis at the old depot, floods, and no cost will be applied to flooded homes and damage to roads Sullart Street in Cockermouth. The this service. and bridges causing travel disruption. new site will be open daily from For those areas that have been 10am to 3pm between Saturday 28 Services available to residents are affected by the floods, massive November and Saturday 12 set out below: strides have been made to support December. local people and help them get back 1) Local Councils can collect on their feet. Lobbying from key The site will accept all flood furniture such as chairs, tables, agencies in the county has secured damaged waste including: sofas, beds, internal doors, guarantees of support from the garden furniture and garden Government that they will help • Furniture such as chairs, tables, fencing by a special collection meet the cost of repairing the sofas, beds. refuse vehicle. Damaged damaged infrastructure. household goods will be • Doors and fencing loaded into the wagon by a Prince of Wales to switch • Carpets and soft furnishings collection crew and delivered • Electrical items such as fridges*, to the disposal point. on Christmas lights televisions, cookers etc. His Royal Highness, the Prince of • Standard household refuse 2) All items such as fridges, Wales will visit Keswick today • The site will also accept small televisions, cookers, washing (Friday 27 November) in a Regal amounts of silt, sand and rubble machines, dryers, microwaves show of support for victims of the from flood affected domestic and other large electrical flooding in Cumbria. The Prince will properties. appliances must be collected mark his visit by joining BBC by a separate van. Please personality, Julia Bradbury in There will be a number of site empty all food waste from switching on the town’s Christmas operatives available on site to fridges before placing out for lights in a special ceremony to get help. For more information or collection. the message out to visitors that advice on using the waste centre Cumbria is “open for business” please call 0845 055 1118. If you have any bulky household again. waste items please contact your Please note that the centre will only local district council to arrange He will meet residents, community be open on a short term basis. We collection on the appropriate organisations, and view an area apologise for any inconvenience the number below. affected by the flood in the small site may cause to local residents. Lake District market town to see Residents within Allerdale how affected businesses are rapidly * Please empty all food waste from 01900 702800 getting back on their feet and re- fridges and freezers before bringing Residents within South Lakeland opening after the unprecedented them to the site. 0845 050 4434 weather of November 19.

For more information visit www.cumbria.gov.uk

checked after the flooding). So far on 0845 00 66 888. Allerdale Bridges seven bridges have been identified as Borough Council has arranged for Weekend revellers are being urged to requiring principal bridge inspections, Business Rates exemption for remember the huge safety risks which where divers will assess their affected companies. A temporary remain due to transport issues facing foundations to look for scour damage retail and business hub has been Workington. Most of the town's pubs and erosion. An inspection typically takes a day and can only be done once established in the old Job Centre in and clubs are situated to the south of Cockermouth. West Cumbria the town. With the north and south of river levels are suitable. These bridges are: Development Agency Limited Workington cut off apart from a rail (WCDA) provide business advice link and road diversion via the A66 at Holmrook Bridge - Holmrook Papcastle, it's feared some people may (Copeland) and support services and maintain a try to cross the Calva Bridge despite its Egremont Bridge - Egremont database of business premises critical condition. (Copeland) available in the area. WCDA are Broughton Bridge - Great Broughton working in close co-operation with Extra barriers have been put in place (Allerdale) clients and other support after vehicles were seen crossing the Butt Bridge - Ennerdale Bridge organisations in an effort to make bridge yesterday. (Copeland) Wath Bridge - Cleator Moor more space available for businesses Structural engineers continue to unfortunate to have lost their reiterate that the bridge is in danger of (Copeland) Gote Bridge – Cockermouth premises. imminent collapse. For help and assistance with your Anyone or any vehicle attempting to (Allerdale) cross the bridge is putting themselves Greta Bridge – Keswick (Allerdale) property requirements please in severe danger. A number of other bridges remain contact : No one should attempt to cross the closed either because they are clearly WCDA, Moss Bay House River Derwent, particularly under damaged beyond repair or there are 40 Peart Road the influence of alcohol. still safety concerns. Only when Derwent Howe engineers are satisfied that bridges are Workington safe to open will they do so. Public Cumbria County Council's website CA14 3YT www.cumbria.gov.uk is providing safety is our priority. Tel 01900 65656 regular updates on road and bridge Mobile 07774 163 368 closures, with diversion maps also Email [email protected] illustrated at www.cumbria.gov.uk/ Open for roads-transport/floods/ www.wcda.co.uk diversionroutesallerdale.asp business

Construction work by the army will Most of Cumbria is very much Free legal advice begin this morning on a new temporary 'open for business', with tourism footbridge crossing the River Derwent chiefs urging visitors to continue for Cumbria’s in Workington, uniting communities coming to the Lakes as the county currently cut off on the north and is largely unaffected and accessible. south side of the river following the A quick phone call to Cumbria flood victims collapse of Workington Bridge and the Tourism's visitor information Burnetts in Carlisle is to give free footbridge and structural damage helpline on 01539 825070 or a visit legal advice to Cumbrian businesses making Calva Bridge unusable. It is to www.golakes.co.uk will be able and individuals following the recent hoped the new bridge will be devastation wreaked by the completed by December 5th. to confirm whether the area people are planning to visit has been weather in the county. The firm is making the offer to Some 200 soldiers will be involved in affected or not. the operation, including Royal Engineers Support for businesses has also anyone in Cumbria who needs (to build it), Royal Logistic Corps (to been established. The North West advice on flood-related issues. The transport it – the bridge comes in many Regional Development Agency offer, which will last at least until 30 sections), Royal Signals and Royal (NWDA) has pledged up to £1 April 2010, covers any type of legal Military Police. The military effort is million for small businesses and is support such as advice on leases or being co-ordinated by the regional working closely with Cumbria tenancies for businesses which need Brigade for North West , 42 County Council, Cumbria Chamber to temporarily re-locate. Anyone (North West) Brigade and soldiers will wishing to take advantage of the be carrying out the work in round-the- of Commerce and Government Office North West (GONW) to free advice offer should contact clock shifts to reconnect the town as solicitor Kenny Ling on 01228 soon as possible. offer support to assist businesses Structural engineers are due to that are suffering. 552222 or by email to complete their checks today on around Temporary accommodation is being [email protected]. 1,300 bridges which are near water organised for many small businesses (the county has around 1,800 bridges in displaced through the floods and total, but 500 are not near water and further assistance is available therefore haven't needed to be through Business Link Northwest

For more information visit www.cumbria.gov.uk

Ulverston Mobile centres Flood Support The Ulverston Flood Support There will also be a mobile support Centre is based at Ulverston centre parked in Keswick at the Centres Library. Catholic Church opposite the Esso Ulverston Flood Support Centre is Garage from 9.30am - 4.30pm. Not A number of these centres have open 10am to 3pm Thursday and open Saturday. been established by your councils, Friday. There will also be a second mobile community groups and other public Open on Saturday 10am - 1pm for Flood Support Centre visiting other services. Their aim is to offer a local general enquiries. affected areas. A programme will be space which residents can use to Closed Sunday. published on-line. access relevant information and The aim is to develop these centres advice. They will not be able to Cockermouth so that they provide emotional and answer every question but staff Christ Church, South Street, voluntary sector help. there will usually be able to help you opening 10am – 5pm. Open on find out who to speak to resolve an Saturday 10am - 4pm, all services. Support for residents in issue. They can offer a telephone or Sunday open 10am - 1pm. Workington computer access if that would be • Allerdale Borough Council Anyone looking for advice or helpful. • Cumbria County Council support in Workington should go to

The support centres can offer will • National Flood Forum the Allerdale Borough Council’s depend on the issues local residents • Environment Agency Customer Service Centre at The need but can include red cross, • United Utilities - electricity only Old Town Hall, Oxford Street, council services (district councils can • Business Link/advice opening 9am – 5pm, (closed Saturday and Sunday) or contact offer advice on environmental • Citizens Advice Bureau - Law Lynn Singleton 07976978124 or health, waste, housing, benefits Centre Heather Snodden 07795127910. advice and the county council advice • Fire Service • Housing benefits on schools, transport, roads, • Home Housing • Council tax if your home is now libraries, social services, trading • Derwent & Solway uninhabitable standards), housing associations, • Age Concern environment agency, and mental • Business rates exemptions and • Red Cross health staff, Churches Together, Job business grants • Job Centre plus Centre Plus and an insurance • Safely cleaning out your home • Police company. Centres can also provide after it has flooded information on the Flood Recovery • Business Link Northwest • What to do with your damaged Fund. furniture and white goods Other services available on • Sorting out somewhere else to Currently available at the Fairfield Car Park, live support centres: Cockermouth • What to do if you see cracks in • A wide range of advice and your walls information. • NatWest mobile Bank • How to go about getting qualified • Free to charge your mobile • Barclays mobile Bank builders/electricians phone. • Lloyds mobile Bank – arriving • Protecting against infection • Yellow pages and other local shortly • The flood recovery fund and information. • BT – for any problems welfare loans. • Register for free Bulky Waste • Axa Insurance – giving advice on Collection. ANY insurance queries There is also flood support in the • Housing advice, social work • Salvation Army snack van Northside area from Cumbria support, Citizens Advice Bureau County Council, Allerdale Borough staff. Council, Derwent and Solway, the Keswick police and Age Concern The centres can assist with advice, Keswick Library, opening 9.30am – for example, about requesting 4.30pm. Open from 10am - 1pm on suspension of mortgages so that Saturday. Open Sunday 10am - 1pm. people do not get in arrears if they • Allerdale Borough Council have been flooded and have extra • Cumbria County Council costs, storage of furniture if they • Derwent and Solway need to relocate in the interim and • Red Cross how to access aid in terms of • Environment Agency financial assistance and/or goods. • Business Link Northwest

For more information visit www.cumbria.gov.uk

and Firth House, Seaton for people GP arrangements who need to see a GP and are The swine flu vaccine will be offered GP arrangements are as follows for unable to get to their own GP to people in the below priority this weekend and next week in surgery. Patients should call their groups: Cockermouth and Workington. own GP to arrange before going. Your own GPs will also be able to • Health and social care workers Cockermouth advise how you can pick up a repeat involved in the recovery efforts In Cockermouth, South Street prescription. on the ground; Surgery and Derwent House • Pregnant women; Surgery have both relocated to Drop-in clinics are available Monday • Individuals aged between six Cockermouth Community Hospital. to Friday at: months and up to 65 years in the Patients at both these surgeries Northside Community Centre, current seasonal flu vaccine should now contact their own Trinity Drive, Northside. clinical at-risk groups; (including surgery on the normal surgery Between 9am - 10am and 4:30pm those with diabetes, chest telephone numbers as below to 5:30pm problems, heart disease and arrange an appointment. Firth House, Main Rd, Seaton. respiratory illnesses); Between 10:30pm – 12:30pm and • People with lowered immune South Street Surgery: 2pm – 4pm. systems e.g. cancer patients; 01900 324123 (Reception) • Household contacts of immuno- 01900 324121 (Prescription Over the weekend Cumbria Health compromised individuals; (e.g. requests) on Call will be providing the usual those living with people with out of hours cover, on 01228 cancer or HIV). Derwent House Surgery: 401999 (North Cumbria) 0845 01900 324100 (Reception) 0524999 (South Cumbria). 01900 324101 (Prescription Support sessions requests) Vaccination clinic for people displaced in Cockermouth GP clinics are running from 8am A replacement vaccination clinic will for emergency until 8pm from Monday to Friday take place on Saturday (28th and Saturday (28 November) and November) in Dovenby for people workers Sunday (29 November) from 10am displaced from their homes during until 2pm. the flood and for frontline health Ron Siddle, Consultant Psychologist and social care workers involved in and Clinical Lead for Early The Derwent House Surgery in- the recovery efforts on the ground. Intervention with Cumbria house dispensary has now relocated Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, is to Cockermouth Community The clinic will take place at offering a series of health briefing Hospital. This facility will open on M Sport, Dovenby from 9am sessions. He will be supported by Monday. Opening hours are 9am to until 5pm on Saturday. police and other NHS specialist 5.30pm, Monday to Friday for colleagues. The focus will be how to Derwent House dispensary patients. The seasonal flu and the detect signs of stress in the pneumococcal vaccine (which workforce as well as some top tips Allisons Chemist have temporarily protects against pneumonia and for how to manage it. re-located to the old Job Centre septicemia) will be offered to the The sessions are open to all but are opposite Sainsbury’s. They will be following at-risk groups: primarily aimed at supervisors and open to dispense prescriptions this managers of front line emergency Saturday from 9am to 4pm and on • Health and social care workers service workers and other agencies Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. involved in the recovery efforts actively involved. on the ground; The sessions are Boots Pharmacy are operating a • People aged 65 or over; 10am - 12pm Sunday 29 November prescription collection & delivery • People with a serious medical 12pm - 2pm Sunday 29 November service from the old Job Centre condition (including those with 10am - 12pm Wednesday 2 operating this Saturday from 9am to diabetes, chest problems, heart December 4pm and on Sunday from 10am to disease and respiratory illnesses); All will be at the main conference 2pm. Fitz Road Surgery is open as • People living in a residential or room Cumbria Fire & Rescue normal. Tel 01900 324124. nursing home; Service HQ, Station Road, Cockermouth, CA13 9PR • Main carers for elderly or Workington disabled people whose welfare Extra GP clinics are being held at may be at risk if you fall ill; both Northside Community Centre • People who work with poultry.

For more information visit www.cumbria.gov.uk

washing machine will need to be Station for additional parking for Stay safe and professionally cleaned - if this is not those using train services to get possible, they may need to be disposed south of the River Derwent after protect against of. the recent flooding.

7. Take care with electrics and Bus services in Cockermouth infection gas. Do not switch on electrical Stagecoach The main health hazard in floods come appliances that have been in contact X4/X5 : Workington – from the stress and strain of the event with floodwater unless a competent Cockermouth – Keswick - Penrith and clean-up. Take time to look after electrician has checked them, as there is 58 : – Cockermouth via you and your family’s mental health and risk of electrocution. Even if gas Dearham wellbeing. Do not overexert yourself in appliances appear to be working 600 : Carlisle – Cockermouth - the clean-up. normally, the flue or ventilation systems What’s the best health advice – maybe affected. For safety reasons have appliances inspected by a Gas Safe Operating via Low Road, turning isn’t there a risk from bugs in the right at Wordsworth House, then water? Register engineer (call 0800 408 5500 Infection problems arising from floods in for advice). Don't use any outdoor via Gallowbarrow Road, with a this country are rare. Usually any cooking equipment such as barbecues temporary stop at the School. harmful bugs in floodwater become very inside your house again be aware of Reays Coaches diluted and present a low risk, but there toxic fumes and fire risk. 34 : Cockermouth - Slatefell are a few precautions to be aware of is still operating but may be running when dealing with flooding which should 8. There is also a serious danger late prevent unnecessary additional health posed by carbon monoxide fumes from Cockermouth Main Street can not problems: the indoor use of generators and other be accessed, the temporary bus stop fuel-powered equipment, such as driers. Remember that petrol or diesel is at the new fire station on Lorton 1. General hygiene and safety Road. precautions should be taken. When generators and other fuel-driven cleaning up use waterproof boots and equipment should NEVER be brought 35 : Workington – protective gloves. Keep any open cuts indoors. If you are using a fuel driven Cockermouth via Great or sores clean and prevent them being generator or other fuel driven Broughton exposed to floodwater - wear equipment this should be properly sited Cockermouth Main Street can not waterproof plasters if you can. outdoors. However, if you experience be accessed, the temporary bus stop dizziness, headaches or disorientation, is at the new fire station on Lorton 2. Always wash your hands with soap switch off appliances, move to a well- Road. and clean water after going to the toilet, ventilated area and seek medical advice. The bridge at Little Broughton is not before eating or preparing food, after 9. It is recommended that you only passable so the bus is diverting to being in contact with flood water, or Dovenby. All stops are still in place soiled items. fully re-occupy your home once cleaning has been carried out. There may also be for Little Broughton. 3. Don't allow children to play in additional works to be done as advised can not pick up or drop off in floodwater and wash children's hands by your insurance company, housing Workington, this is starting and frequently (always before eating). There officer, landlord, builder etc. finishing from Seaton, Pack Horse. may be no need to throw away The service may be running late household items as long as they can be 10. Keep yourself and your family safe 36 : Workington – properly cleaned. - don't try to undertake any difficult or Cockermouth via Greysouthen dangerous work yourself - replacing Cockermouth Main Street can not 4. Clean and disinfect all hard surfaces, roof tiles and checking electrical or gas safety should be done by qualified be accessed, the temporary bus stop walls, furniture, pans, plates and cutlery is at the new fire station on Lorton with hot soapy water or kitchen professional. disinfectant until they look clean. Road. May be running late. Powerful disinfectants, such as strong Further flooding health advice can be Connections can be made with bleach are not necessary and may be found on the Health Protection Stagecoach Services X4/X5, 58 and harmful to surfaces. Agency’s website www.hpa.org.uk 600 on Gallowbarrow Road where they have a temporary stop at the 5. Remove and dispose of all soft School. furnishings and fittings that are damaged Transport Ken Routledge beyond repair. Clothing, bedding and Rail services 101 : Cockermouth – Rose Lane other soft articles including children's A temporary rail station Running as normal but from Fire toys should be washed on a hot wash Workington North is being built by Station not Market Place (60º C or the highest temperature indicated on washing instructions). This Network Rail just north of the River 949 : Buttermere – will destroy most germs that may be Derwent to improve links on the Cockermouth (Dial a Ride) present. two sides of the river. Running as normal

6. Other soft furnishings that have Maryport Rugby Club has kindly For more information contact been soiled and cannot be put in a opened up their land near Maryport traveline on 0871 200 2233.

For more information visit www.cumbria.gov.uk

Local station CFM Radio is running a Fund donations helpline on 07907 060412 Pets The damage caused by the flooding alongside Impact Housing and the The RSPCA is operating a scheme has clearly touched people all over Rotary Clubs in Workington and for people who can't keep their the world, with a charitable fund Cockermouth to organise animals with them for a short time topping over £600,000 within a collections of clothing, bedding, because of the flooding. The RSPCA week of being established. The electrical goods and furniture to will board the animals at no charge message from small businesses in the help families affected by the floods. to the owners, who can find out county is that the best way people about the scheme by ringing 0300 can show their support now is by 1234 999. visiting Cumbria in the crucial run up Boarding up of to Christmas. properties Royal Mail A charitable fund and grant aid has Cockermouth Flood Support Centre been established for affected can now arrange boarding up of redirection individuals, families and community properties and the changing of locks, organisations suffering hardship to secure premises damaged (and service through the floods. The Cumbria empty) after flooding. Allerdale The Royal Mail are offering 1 month Flood Recovery Fund Appeal 2009 Borough Council have worked with free on their redirection and was launched by the Cumbria Derwent and Solway Housing keepsafe service for anyone effected Community Foundation and stands Association and PPM Flood Support by the flooding. Please contact at over £600,000. Anyone wishing to to develop the service, which can be 0845 7740740 for more details. make a donation can visit the accessed by a Hotline 07786 337 Cumbria County Council website 301.This is not a free service and homepage www.cumbriacc.gov.uk, householders will be expected to phone 01900 820 828, or email claim the cost from their insurers. [email protected]

Cumbria County Council Helpful telephone 01228 606060 Cockermouth Churches Together numbers 01900 829926 Age Concern Community Law Centre Northwest 01946 66669 01228 515129 South Lakeland 01539 728118 Environment Agency Allerdale Borough Council - Advice, floodline 0845 9881188 Emergency Helpline 01900 702911 Floodline 0845 988 1188 Environmental Health 01900 702590 Gas Safe Register (gas safety advice and registered Pollution (blocked drains etc), 01900 local engineers) 0800 408 5500 702580 Highways 0845 6096609 Refuse Collection (flood damaged/ National Flood Forum 01299 403101 freezer’s etc), 01900 702800 NHS Direct 0845 4647 Benefit Enquiry Line Police 0845 3300247 0800 88 22 00 Prescription help and advice Business Link 0845 00 66 888 NHS Direct 0845 4647 Churches Together in Cumbria Red Cross 0191 273 7560 01768 550045 RSPCA 0300 1234 999 Citizens Advice Bureau Samaritans Allerdale 01900 604735 UK Wide 08457 90 90 90 Keswick 017687 73472 Social Services - 01539 713377 Whitehaven 01946 693321 South Lakeland District Council 0845 0504434 Wigton 016973 44026 Transco (gas leaks) 0800 111999 Workington 01900 604735 Traveline – 0871 200 2233 Consumer direct including any calls from bogus United Utilities (electricity) – 0800 195 4101 tradesman WRVS – 01228 524508 08454 040506 Children and Families Information Service – Cumbria Chamber of Commerce (business advice) 08457 125 737 01228 534120 For anyone experiencing problems with childcare or Cumbria Community Foundation 01900 820827 early education due to the floods.

For more information visit www.cumbria.gov.uk