TOWNS across west Cumbria have been battered by two named storms over the last week.

On Sunday, Cumbria declared itself on standby for a major incident following an amber weather warning coming into effect for the entire county.

The impacts of this storm continued to be felt, with high winds across the region into Monday and Tuesday.

In Maryport, an ancient tree, which some have estimated has being in the town for over 200 years, was blown over in Memorial Park, causing much sadness in the community.

Mayor of Maryport Linda Radcliffe said: "People are upset and quite rightly. I mean, thank God nobody was hurt, that's the main thing.

"We are upset in the town council about this, because of its age, because of its magnificence.

"I mean if you think of the power that tree had to shelter wildlife, to protect so much of our insect and other wildlife then it will be a big loss.

"It's like losing a member of the community."

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said:“Following the uprooting of a mature tree in Memorial Park, Maryport during Storm Isha, we can confirm that the fallen tree will be removed and a replacement planted. 

"The damaged walls and paths will be repaired.  Further plans for the park will be confirmed in the coming weeks.”

The Mayor suggested that local woodturners should be given a chance to take a part of the tree to make 'something of beauty' to be displayed in the town or sold for charity.

Elsewhere, one home owner in Cockermouth woke up to find the roof blown off their home at the junction of Oakhurst Crescent and Isel Road on Monday.

There were fears that flooding may be seen throughout the town, following the arrival of Storm Jocelyn on Tuesday, as rivers began to rise throughout the county. However the river Cocker seemed to cope well with the rainfall.

Times and Star: The Old Courthouse, Cockermouth on Monday following Storm Isha The Old Courthouse, Cockermouth on Monday following Storm Isha (Image: NQ staff)

Despite the weather, the half-collapsed Old Courthouse in Cockermouth has not shown any signs of total collapse. A spokesman for Cumberland council said: “Although the building is continuing to deteriorate, the storms don’t appear to have resulted in any further collapse into the river.”

Whinlatter Forest was also closed to the public from Monday, as Forestry England had 'safety concerns' for the public. The organisation said it would assess the damage caused by the two storms before deciding whether to reopen.