Rosie Winterton sees Cumbria's business is getting back up and running
Monday 30 November 2009
Flood Recovery Minister Rosie Winterton saw that much of Cumbria is open for business and companies are beginning to get back on their feet after this month's devastating floods.
During her second visit Cumbria since the flooding, Rosie Winterton:
- saw that businesses are receiving advice for full recovery and that the North West Development Agency is fast tracking applications for its Flood Recovery Grants
- heard that many parts of Cumbria are not affected by the flood and are waiting to welcome Christmas visitors
- visited a large local employer that has resumed it major export business, and
- heard that consultation is underway with the district councils on the allocation of the £1m Community Recovery Grant from Communities and Local Government.
Rosie Winterton visited the Business Link advice centre currently housed in Keswick library where she heard that the first applications from businesses for a share of the £1m North West Development Agency Flood Recovery Grant Fund have been received.
Businesses can apply for up to £10,000 for help with expertise on cleaning up and consultancy. NWDA are fast tracking the applications so that payments can be issued as early as next week.
Local partners are working well together to speed recovery. The NWDA has been working closely with Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce (CCCI) and Government Office North West (GONW) to offer immediate support to businesses affected by the floods in Cumbria.
A prime example of business being back up and running visited by Rosie Winterton today is James Walker Company Ltd, in Cockermouth. This company which employs 400 local people was helped by the NWDA. NWDA's support enabled the restoration of communications systems so that this major exporter could trade worldwide again.
Rosie Winterton said:
"I am delighted to see that the Cumbria is open for business and that companies that were affected by the floods are trading again. Not all of the county has been under flood and remains open for business. It is important that everyone knows that large areas are not affected and are waiting to welcome people for their Christmas and New Year breaks. The NWDA grants will help the others get back on their feet and so it is important that companies contact Business Link as soon as possible for advice on how to apply for the grants.
"The Government remains committed to doing everything that we can to help people back in to their homes and to get the area back to normal quickly as possible. The Government funded temporary bridge being built by the Army is just one example.
"I have seen excellent leadership from the Council on recovery issues. This is helping all public services to work together for best effect. I am pleased that Cumbria Council is supporting Communities and Local Government in its consultation with the district councils on the allocation of the £1m Community Recovery Grant from my Department to ensure that the funds are appropriately shared out in a timely way.
"The chief executive of Cumbria County Council Jill Stannard is ensuring that Ministers are focusing issues where central government can have the most beneficial effect and we are working closely with the authority so that we can provide help and support as needed."
