DONT visit Cumbria this week.

I've just come back from Cockermouth and finally the main street that was a river a week ago is open to the general public, I did not take my camera. Obviously nothing is open yet but it was both heartening and saddening to be able to walk up and down the street and chat with some of the owners there. Most are swearing to be open before Christmas!

Its incredibly busy and the street is full of skips, contractors vehicles and workmen as shop fitments and stock are taken out and skipped, even the army is there forming chain lines to pass the detritus out of the premises to the street. Some premises are still brushing out mud and water, others are more advanced for example "Boots" will be open to deal with Prescriptions from Monday, and fully open a week later.
Some shops have the Jackhammers in and floors are being dug up, others are removing plaster. It really is a disaster zone and thats why I left the camera at home, I think these people just want to get on with things and are probably fed up with camera crews and such.

Cumbria is very much open for business, come and visit if you wish...its mostly just a little bit difficult to get around between Cockermouth and Workington, river levels have dropped back into their own banks now.

Steve...