19/11/2010

Cumbria Floods Bill Hits £276m

In the wake of the Cornwall floods, it has been revealed that the 2009 Cumbrian floods have clocked up a damage bill totalling a cost of £276m.

The bill has emerged on the first anniversary of the disaster, and accounts for damage to homes, businesses, infrastructure, farms and factories.

Last year, heavy rainfall, caused rivers to burst their banks, flooding surrounding areas.

Cumbria County Council said that many still have not returned to their homes.

Around 150 houses were flooded.

Discussing the newly rebuilt Little Braithwaite bridge reopening today, the council said it was "a significant symbol of the recovery operation".

Most of the recovery fund came from the insurance industry and the taxpayer through support and grants from local and central government.

According to the Association of British Insurers, there were 25,000 flood and storm damage insurance claims with £174m paid out.

A total of 17 out of the 20 Cumbria road bridges destroyed or damaged have now re-opened.

The Grade II-listed Calva bridge in Workington is expected to open in the new year.

The Northside bridge which collapsed, killing police officer Pc Bill Barker, will be replaced by 2012.

The council has said that tourism has "bounced back", with visitor numbers stabilising.

(BMcN/GK)


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