Flood chaos returns to Cumbria as river overtops

CUMBRIA Police have urged people to stay indoors after the river in Glenridding burst its banks again.

The already-devastated community faced continued rainfall overnight as fast-flowing water rushed through the village.

A "multi-agency" response, which includes the military and fire services, got under way last night amid concerns that the latest flooding may endanger lives.

In a statement early this morning Cumbria Police said that while the flood water was beginning to recede the situation remained "extremely dangerous".

It said: "Cumbria Police would like to urge the people of Glenridding to stay inside their properties to keep themselves and their families safe.

"Earlier the river water spilled over the banks into the village. The flood water is now starting to slowly recede in Glenridding."

Members of the public have been urged not to walk or travel through any flood water.

Police said Glenridding bridge will remain closed until at least later today when engineers will assess it to see whether it is safe for public use.

Until then motorists have been asked to take alternative routes, some of which police warn may only be accessible in 4x4 vehicles.

Two feet of water on the B5322 near to St Johns and the Vale has caused it to be closed.

The Met Office said 47mm of rain had fallen in a 12-hour period until 5am in Shap, around 22 miles from Glenridding.

The Glenridding Hotel said it had flooded again.

They have taken to social media to say: "The beck has just burst its banks again and the hotel is now the beck again.

"Can people please share this so we can get some sand bags to try and cope with it a little."

GLENRIDDING CURRENTLY. Please can we get this viral. Cumbria still needs help! @BBCBreaking @ITVborder @CumbriaCC pic.twitter.com/X2jwey0iet
— Lauren beaty (@Lauren__Beaty) December 9, 2015

A spokesman from Cumbria Police said: "We want to urge the public not to approach or go near any flood water as it is extremely fast flowing and can be a threat to peoples lives."

Keep an eye on the latest flood updates on the Environment Agency’s website via apps.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood , Twitter or by calling the 24 hour floodline on 0345 988 1188.

Cumbria Fire/Rescue on scene in Glenridding. River burst its banks again. Locals say 'worse than the weekend' @GMB pic.twitter.com/tn3xL4I2FM
— Nick Dixon (@NickDixonITV) December 9, 2015

<u>Road closures</u>

B5322 near St Johns and the Vale for four mile
Plains Road, Wetheral
Greenside Road, Glenridding
Skirgills Lane, Penrith, bridge closed
B6412, Langwathby, bridge damaged
Ouse Bridge, Bassenthwaite
A592 Pooley Bridge to Kirkstone
A591 Chestnut Hill to Dunmail Raise
B6259 Warcop Road to A685 Kirby Stephen
B6542 Appleby
A6 Shap to Orton. Just passable at Plumpton
There is also some rail disruption and buses will replace trains between Dumfries and Carlisle until the end of service today.