Cumbria Recovering But Not Fixed Six Months From Floods - Farron

Six months after the floods hit Cumbria, South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has praised the "remarkable community spirit and generosity" of local residents who have fought back from this disaster, whilst highlighting the work that remains to be done to repair the damage caused.

Tim has criticised the government for being slow to provide the funding needed to repair the damage after the floods. Even now, six months after the floods first hit, there is still a £40million shortfall in the funding needed across Cumbria.

Tim said: "Six months after the devastation caused by Storm Desmond and the floods, it is incredibly moving and inspiring to see how local communities have pulled together and are back on their feet. The majority of residents are now back in their homes and businesses are back open for business. It is testament to the remarkable community spirit and generosity of local residents that the effects of this disaster were not even worse. In this awful time, the very best in our community came to the fore as people rallied around to support their neighbours and help those in need.

"However, although in many ways Cumbria is back to normal - the A591 is fixed and most businesses have now reopened - we must not forget about those still affected. There are still many residents out of their homes, and many more who are affected by road and bridge closures. It is unjustifiable that the government has still not committed to providing all of the funding needed to repair the flood damage - across the county there is a £40million shortfall. The government also failed to provide additional funds to support businesses affected by flooding after the initial pot ran out.

"In many ways, this is the story from the floods - local people showing grit, resilience and community spirit whilst the government refused to consider Cumbria a priority."