A year after Storm Desmond struck, devastating many Cockermouth homes and businesses, the town centre is sparkling again.

The final flooded shop to reopen in Cockermouth is welcoming customers once more.

And a group set up to support flood victims in the future has prompted a huge response from people keen to help. But no one has forgotten the horrors which last December delivered and many are anxious about what the winter months will bring.

Eileen Cairns, owner of Coffee ‘n’ Cream, of Main Street, is delighted to be back in business.

“I’ve been here 10 years and when I flooded the first time I was one of the first shops to be open again, this time I’m the last!” said Eileen. “It’s brilliant to be back and the reception I have had is fantastic, lots of people were missing the ice cream.”

The ice cream parlour and coffee shop has been refurbished.

“It was stripped back to nothing and everything taken out and replaced. The floor was taken out, the ceiling and kitchen replaced and the walls stripped back,” said Eileen.

The opening was delayed due to issues with the building insurance.

“It was very frustrating, I was gutted not to be open earlier,” said Eileen, who employs four staff.

She has been unable to secure flood insurance and is looking into having flood barriers.

“While it’s brilliant to be back and the town is looking so lovely with all the Christmas decorations, we do feel like we are sitting on a ticking time bomb.

“Every time it rains we worry. If it floods again I’m finished,” she said.

Cockermouth Emergency Response Group will be launched tomorrow.

The group aims to ensure the community is better prepared for flooding and other large-scale emergencies.

Group secretary Paul Mogford said: “Since last week’s article in the Times & Star newspaper I have had many people getting in touch to say they would like to help.”

The group has been formed by Churches Together in the Cockermouth Area, the town’s Rotary club and the flood action group and is supported by the county, borough and town council.

The launch drop-in event will be held at Christ Church, from 11am to 1pm.

Workington MP Sue Hayman will attend, along with members of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, the police, fire service and other town groups.

The group’s plans include creating a database of people who would need help and co-ordinating teams that can help provide transport and move furniture and possessions before flooding hits and setting up evacuation centres.

Many flood victims are reassured to hear of its formation. Pensioners Harold and Doris Ashton live in Derwentside Gardens.

Their bungalow has flooded twice, each time they have lost everything.

“The new group is wonderful, it’s great to know there is help available,” said Mr Ashton.

Pensioners Doug and Ann Beebe also live in Derwentside Gardens and were flooded a year ago.

“I think the group is a great idea, it means we are all involved and can help each other,” said Mr Beebe.

Philip and Margaret Routledge live on Gote Road. They own four properties, three of which flooded.

Mr Routledge said: “The work the Churches Together and other groups did last time was fabulous. I wanted to stay in our home as last time it flooded, I moved out and some stuff was pinched.

“From day one they were supporting us, delivering food and hot drinks. It’s so good to know they are there.”

There are many elderly people living in the Gote Road area which was badly hit by the floods.

“They’re all on pins, they are living in fear of it all happening again.

“A response group like this makes them feel there is some support,” said Mrs Routledge.