Last updated at 13:32, Monday, 30 November 2009

Here is a list of useful contact numbers and information to help you through the aftermath of the floods. . .

More information - including traffic and schools news - here

In the event of a failure of the telephone system, people living north of the river are urged to take the following advice for making a 999 call:

1. Try using a mobile phone. If you do not have a mobile please ask a neighbour to use theirs.

2. If your mobile cannot get through due to congestion try another neighbours mobile who may be on a different network.

3. If you STILL cannot get through go to either:
a. Faith House, Seaton;
b. Camerton Village Hall; or
c. Community Centre in Northside.

Cumberland Building Society has opened a temporary branch in Cockermouth's Mitchell's Auction House on Station Road after its office was flooded. Estate agency services have been transferred to its Workington branch.

Cumbria police's casualty bureau has been closed. Anyone with concerns about people in Cumbria following the floods should contact police on 0845 3300247.

SPONSORED LINK: Speedy Hire - Are you dealing with floods? Please click here to see our
full range of Pumps, Dehumidifiers and Generators for hire, or Telephone
0845 602 5532 or visit  www.speedyhire.com

Free disposal service for bulky items, from Allerdale council - 01900 702800

Businesses can log on here for help and advice from Cumbria Chamber of Commerce

Cockermouth business owners are invited to a chamber of commerce meeting on Friday at 7pm at the Friends Meeting House, Kirkgate. As well as the chamber, there will be architects, surveyors and representatives that can help flood victims. The chamber is encouraging all traders, not just those flooded out, to attend. 

United Utilities
Problems with water supply/wastewater: 0845 746 2200.
Electricity safety checks: 0800 195 41 41.

24-hour Allerdale council helpline for all flooding issues or enquiries: 01900 702911

Emergency reception centres at Cockermouth's Sheep and Wool Centre and the Keswick Convention Centre have been closed.

People are asked not to take any more donations to the centres as there is no facility to deal with them.

Flood support centres, where people can get advice on housing, insurance and other issues related to getting back on their feet, have opened in Cockermouth, Keswick and Workington.

People can charge their phones for free, register for free bulky waste collection and other services.

Cockermouth:
Christ Church, South Road, opening 10am - 5pm

Workington:
Town Hall, Oxford Road, opening 9am - 5pm

There will also be a mobile support centre available in Northside and Seaton via the mobile library from 9.30am - 4.30pm

Keswick:
Keswick Library, opening 9am - 5pm
There will also be a mobile support centre parked at the Catholic Church opposite the Esso Garage from 9.30am - 4.30pm

A special newsletter for those affected by the floods is being distributed at the flood support centres and other council locations.

To donate food or equipment, call 01228 606060 or email flood.volunteers@cumbriacc.gov.uk

To find temporary accommodation, call on 01900 702660.

People who have available temporary accommodation contact 01900 702570.

Residents are advised to put out their rubbish and recycling as normal and it will be collected as soon as possible.

In the longer term, people affected by the floods will be able to contact Allerdale council to arrange for the collection of flood-damaged bulky items, such as furniture and white goods, free of charge.

Allerdale council’s customer service centres are open.

Information about council services is also available here

The council-owned leisure centres in Keswick, Cockermouth and Workington are open, although some classes may not run as normal - please check with the leisure centre.

The Wave Centre in Maryport is currently closed but it is hoped the Centre will open later in the week.

Council officers will be available at the Skiddaw Hotel and Convention Centre in Keswick and at the Sheep and Wool Centre in Cockermouth to assist with rehoming enquiries.

People with non-urgent medical queries can contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Anyone wishing to see a GP outside of normal surgery hours should call Cumbria Health On Call on 01228 401999.

Acute hospitals and all other community hospitals in Cumbria will operate outpatient clinics as normal.

Patient transport services will also operate as normal. Those patients who believe they may have problems getting to outpatient clinic appointments are advised to contact the hospital in question for advice.

Boots Pharmacy and J W Allison & Sons Pharmacy in Cockermouth are closed.

A replacement emergency dispensing point for medicines will be provided in place of both pharmacies at the Old Job Centre, Station Street, in Cockermouth.

BUSINESS HELPLINE: An emergency helpline has been set up for businesses hit by flooding. They can call Business Link on 0845 00 66 888, 8am-6pm Mondays to Fridays. Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: "We're keen to help businesses through this difficult time. We want to reach as many affected businesses as possible."

999 SERVICE FAILURES: if your 999 call does not get through, call 0845 33 00 247 to reach all emergency services.

Please email any additions or amendments to news

First published at 09:50, Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk