Community spirit key memory 15 years on from Cumbrian floods of 2009

It's hard to believe it has been 15 years (on November, 19) since that horrible time, but although the county was battered it wasn't beaten - in true West Cumbrian spirit, people came together and built back the wonderful towns piece by piece.

King Charles visits the area following the devastating floods. (Image: Supplied) Cockermouth was badly affected by flooding, with the town centre under two metres or more of floodwater and several hundred other properties also affected by flooding ( it has been estimated that around 900 properties and 1,400 people were affected), after flooding began on November, 19.

Businesses were devastated, bridges collapsed and many lost their homes due to the devastation of the floods which the Environment Agency at the time described as 'unprecedented'.

A boat transports a person to safety - just off Main Street in Cockermouth (Image: Supplied) Fifteen years on we have taken a look at where the town and wider area is now- with the Chamber of Trade praising Cockermouth businesses and people for their 'practical and emotional resilience'.

Joe Murray, Co-Chair of the Cockermouth and District Chamber of Trade and manager of The Children's Society shop on Main Street, said: "The Chamber had been dormant for a little while before the 2009 floods but business owners quickly realised they needed to come together to spread the word that the town was still 'open for business' - a phrase repeated continuously at that time.

The river levels in Cockermouth back in 2009 as many homes were flooded (Image: Supplied) "Since then, the hard work has continued, with the introduction of loads of new initiatives like the Cockermouth Town magazine, monthly newsletters and interactive website, the Spirit of Christmas late night shopping events, and the successful Cockermouth Charities Week.

AProperty on Low Mill, Greta Side at Keswick where part of a building has collapsed. (Image: Supplied)

"Our members have also developed both practical and emotional resilience in the years since the floods. Premises have been renovated with features such as solid floors and ceiling-down electrics, and our independent businesses always come together to support each other through trying times, including the pandemic.

"Our community's enthusiasm means that Cockermouth delights in its role as the vibrant place to eat, drink, shop, explore and enjoy."

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks to media in Cockermouth, Cumbria, where he inspected flood-hit areas and visited residents. (Image: PA) Government ministers, then Prime Minister Gordon Brown and even the future King ( who was at the time Prince of Wales) all descended on the county following the event, the then Workington MP Sir Tony Cunningham shared his memories of the day.

Speaking to the Times and Star Sir Tony Cunningham said that on this year 'as every year' his thoughts are with Hazel Barker and her family who were 'extremely courageous' following the loss of PC Bill Barker on the Workington Bridge.

The remains of Northside Bridge, Workington (Image: Supplied)He said: "At the time, the situation was desperate, but my lasting memory is of people and communities coming together.

"My lasting memory is of the community spirit which shone through and demonstrated the power of coming together, whatever our difference we are far stronger together than apart."