Published at 13:13, Monday, 17 May 2010

IX MONTHS on from the devastating floods that threw West Cumbria into chaos and already the area is getting back on its feet.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Hitting national headlines, November’s floods saw homes destroyed, businesses ruined, hundreds left homeless for weeks and communities divided.

But renowned Cumbrian determination saw people pull together and embark on a re-build project second to none. National and international donations flooded into help fund a mass clean-up process that saw new Workington footbridge Barker Crossing built and shops and homes refurbished.

Last month saw a new temporary road bridge in Workington completed that reunited the north and south sides of the town after six months of separation.

Taking only nine weeks to build and finished under five weeks ahead of schedule, the bridge has meant an end to a 20 mile round trip for many residents living on the north side of the River Derwent.

The effects of the new road bridge have not only seen two communities reunited again, but a boost in trade for the area’s businesses.

Stores on the town’s Derwent Drive Retail Park and Derwent Howe Industrial Estate saw a particular business boost.

Wayne Hynes, manager of Dunelm Mill, said: “We saw a really big up-lift over the weekend the bridge was opened. It is really good to see the town joined together again – it has made a difference to the staff as well as the customers, reducing their travel times.”

A spokesperson from B&Q said: “We were really, really busy over the weekend, it was really good. Since the bridge opened we have had a lift and we have seen a lot of faces that we haven’t seen for a while. We are also expecting things to pick up at nights now with people coming after work.”

The town’s two main supermarkets also saw an increase in trade. Marc Welch, manager of the New Bridge Road Tesco, said: “I’d say there was quite a significant increase and a good up-turn in trade. We got a lot of positive comments from customers who thanked us for supporting them when the bridges were down by putting up the temporary store on the north side of the river.”

A spokesperson for Morrisons said: “Customers have been saying that they are delighted to be back in Morrisons doing their weekly shop, and we have noticed the number of customers steadily increasing since the bridge reopened.”

But Workington businesses are not alone in seeing an up-turn in trade – Cockermouth firms have also witnessed a steady growth in business following the opening of the town’s Main Street on March 24.

Jonty Chippendale, chairman of Cockermouth Chamber of Trade said: “We have been working hard since the floods to boost business in the town and have been developing numerous initiatives to raise awareness.

“We had shopping bags printed with ‘Cockermouth – Open for Business’ which were unveiled by Lord Melvyn Bragg, one of which, packed with treats from Cockermouth traders, is to be sent to the Prince of Wales. The bags are on sale across the town and also in Booths supermarket in Keswick.

“There has also been free ‘Cockermouth – Open for Business’ advertising arranged on a fleet of coaches owned by locally-owned international travel company, Reays.

“As part of our work we have been lobbying decision-makers at local, regional and national level and working closely with those agencies and individuals tasked with flood recovery.

“We have received more than £19,000 of funding from grants and generous donations which is being used to implement the Chamber of Trade’s short-term marketing plan.

“In addition to that, we created and distributed new visitor leaflets to Tourist Information Centres, entertainment venues, accommodation, retailers and tourist attractions across the region.

“A giant map was displayed in the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket detailing which traders are open and where those hit by the floods have relocated to.

“Working in conjunction with Cockermouth Civic Trust, a Flood Trail was created complete with self-guided tour leaflets, story boards in flood-hit premises and ‘tide mark’ stickers.”

In a bid to aid the town’s recovery, the public has also been asked for ideas on how to improve the town’s Main Street.

Allerdale Council, Cockermouth town council and Cumbria County Council are asking for suggestions from local businesses and residents on the plan to revive the town.

They intend to re-establish the town centre as the must-visit historic destination of the North Lakes and West Cumbria coastal district.

The ideas on potential designs could include improvements to shop fronts and signs, street furniture, lighting, footpaths, road construction and layout.

Marie Fallon, Cumbria County Council’s environment corporate director, said: “Main Street was right at the epicentre of November’s floods and while massive forward strides have been made in clearing up the damage and the road has re-opened to traffic, we should look for opportunities to make Main Street an even better place than it was prior to November.”

Cockermouth’s iconic Jennings Brewery cemented its opening following the floods with the addition of a new tea room. The new feature was opened in mid April along with its brewery shop.

After being left under eight feet of floodwater in November, the brewery underwent rigourous clean-up and decontamination processes with workers spending three months cleaning up the site. It was eventually reopened in February when it started producing beer again.

Sue Crosthwaite, shop manager, said: “Customers are now using the tea rooms before and after the tours. It is a fantastic addition to what we already had.

“Before people were asking where they could get some food and tea after the tours. Now we have it all on site.”

The opening of the tea room comes as the town gears up for the tourist season, which kicked off at the beginning of the month with the Georgian Fair.

Thousands of people flocked to Cockermouth for the event on May 1, which is now in its fourth year, proving that the town is well and truly alive five months after the floods.

Market Place, Main Street and Station Street traders geared-up for the day by decorating their windows with posters, flyers and artifacts in Georgian style.

With the tourist season proving so important to Cockermouth businesses, The Trout Hotel has welcomed news that its refurbishment will be complete around mid June.

Managing director Sue Eccles said the completion date was something for the staff and the town to look forward to.

“It’s been full steam ahead with the refurbishment since last November,” she said. “Because it was such a massive job, there has been between 50 and 60 people working in the hotel at any one time.

“There are some areas that are almost complete, including the accommodation side which only needs carpets fitted, but other areas of the building still have bits left to do. We’re hoping to have the kitchens finished by the end of May.

“Not only do we have to consider the tourist season, but the summer wedding season is an important time for us. Last year was great for us business-wise.

“Considering what happened last year and all the media coverage given to the area and Cockermouth in particular, I think there will be a lot of support for us this time around.

“With the area’s summer festivals kicking off soon and the shops beginning to open up again on Main Street, I think that will also help to create a lot of interest in the area and get people back here visiting us again.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk