Three Cumbrian councils to share flood aid cash

The flooding forced hundreds of people out of their homes

Three Cumbrian councils will share £1m of government money to help rebuild their communities after recent floods.

Allerdale, South Lakeland and Eden councils will get the money, which is part of an overall £3.7m aid package.

Communities Secretary John Denham made the announcement during a visit to Cockermouth earlier.

Conservative Party Leader David Cameron and shadow environment secretary Nick Herbert were also visiting Cumbria to see recovery efforts in Workington.

More than 1,300 homes were flooded and hundreds of properties evacuated during the county's unprecedented rainfall on 20 November.

'Work together'

Six bridges collapsed across the county, including Northside Bridge at Workington, where Pc Bill Barker was swept to his death.

Mr Denham said Allerdale Borough Council would receive £738,136, South Lakeland District Council £219,554 and Eden District Council £42,310.

He added: "I want to reassure people in flood affected areas of Cumbria that this is a time when we must continue to work together, to support people rebuilding their lives and rebuilding local businesses.

"These floods have shown the vital role of communities.

"People from all walks of life have come together to lend a hand and do everything possible to make the best out of this terrible experience."

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