Travis Perkins in Cockermouth is stepping up stock and transport to help residents with the massive clean-up after the catastrophic floods this week.
Harry Bennett, the manager of the Travis Perkins branch in the town, told TTJ “he’d never seen anything like it” after 12in of rain in 24 hours caused the River Derwent to break its banks, leaving some areas under up to 8ft of water. A total of 900 homes and businesses had to be evacuated.
“It was just incredible,” said Mr Bennett. “We sent out a truck distributing free sandbags when it all started, but whatever people did, it wasn’t enough. The water was that high. Bags were piled up to 3ft in front of doors, but the water just went through the windows. Places have just been devastated.”
His branch, which is on higher ground, escaped the floods and is now gearing up for the repair work.
“Some roads have only been opened today [Tuesday] and there’s only one way in and out of Cockermouth, so my six-mile journey to work, which usually takes a quarter of an hour, took an hour and 10 minutes,” he said. “But we’re now clearing space for all the products that will be in extra demand. We’re getting in more timber generally, floorboards, battens, plasterboard and special chemicals for drying properties out, plus dehumidifiers from our nearest plant hire branch.”
The outlet may also get in another vehicle and, while it’s restricted during the week to its 8am-5pm hours, may be able to open longer on Saturdays to cope with demand.
Mr Bennett said it was being estimated locally that the clean-up would take 12-18 months.
“The town just looks like a bomb hit it and I’ve been told that Carlisle took four years to get right after their floods, so this estimate seems about right,” he said.
The mood in Cockermouth, he added, was still sombre.
“But things are now starting to move and there’s a feeling we’ll get through this together,” he said.
