The Aftermath
The Devastating floods of November 2009, cut the town of Workington in two, after the bridges across the River Derwent that connect the town were either destroyed or damaged and rendered unusable. This week saw installation of a temporary footbridge by the Third Armoured Engineers Squadron. The Bridge named Barker crossing, after PC Bill Barker who lost his life in the floods, now creates a vital lifeline for the town. Cumbria County Council also this week announced that it could take up to two years to put in a new road bridge. This means that the people of Workington still face a 40 mile drive to cross from one side of the town to the other, if they need to use their car. Meanwhile upriver in Cockermouth much work is being done to try and help the householders and shops who were inundated by the floods.
Barker Crossing, connecting the two halves of Workington, spanning the River Derwent.
A skip full of rubble outside a flooded house in Workington. This house like many is having to have all the plaster hacked off the walls after they were inundated with polluted flood waters.
A building contractor ripping out the interior of a shop on Cockermouth's main street, after it was flooded.
A shop on Cockermouth's main street being dried out after being inundated with flood waters.
Barker Crossing in Workington.