Archbishop of York visits flood hit areas

The Archbishop of York meeting with a local vicar and Dr Stuart Burgess (the Prime Minister's Rural Advocate)

The Archbishop travelled to Cockermouth and visited a relief centre in Christ Church on Sullart Street offering advice, food and support for those affected by the floods.

He then visited Workington to meet up with a delegation led by Dr Stuart Burgess CBE, the Prime Minister's Rural Advocate, to help survey the flood damage. They met with the Leader and Chief Executive of Allerdale District Council to discuss what action is being taken to help those who have lost their houses and to address the transport problems the area is facing.

The Archbishop of York meeting Curate Paula Pye, Lynn Graham and Rev Wendy Sanders who are helping to look after victims at Christ Church, Cockermouth

The Archbishop then met residents in Keswick and discussed their concerns with local town councillors.

Dr Sentamu said:

"I am touched and inspired by the community spirit being shown by residents in Cumbria following the floods. People are really pulling together to support their neighbours in this time of difficulty.

"The physical rebuilding and repair of buildings, bridges and transport infrastructure will inevitably take time, but the wind, rain and floodwater cannot break the spirit, resolve and generosity within these communities in Cumbria.

"I know from meetings with Dr Stuart Burgess, the Prime Minister's Rural Advocate, and local council leaders that everyone is doing their best to tackle the problems caused by the floods. Dr Burgess has promised to ensure the experiences and concerns of residents will be relayed to the Prime Minister and the Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, this morning.

"Whilst I want to pay tribute the hard work and courageous acts of the emergency services who are putting themselves in harms way for others on a daily basis, I also want to thank the volunteers who are giving up their time to care for those in need.

"At the centre I visited in Cockermouth, volunteers had travelled from all across the country in order to help, and many had not even been able to return home to change their clothes for several days. These are the selfless acts of kindness that we should be inspired and humbled by. These are our country's modern Good Samaritans and we should full fully acknowledge their contribution.

"I was most impressed, and so were the civic leaders, by the work of Churches Together in the three areas I visited."