9/2/2010 - Farmers get free help to clean agricultural land of flood debris

Farmers in Allerdale are able to get free help with clearing away household waste that was washed up on their land in the floods.

Allerdale Borough Council is offering to collect household items, washed downstream and onto agricultural land, which are preventing farmers from using the fields for their livelihoods.

For the next three weeks, from Monday 8 February, farmers can contact Allerdale Borough Council on 01900 702800 to arrange for the removal of domestic waste from the entrance to their land just off the public highway.

Ernie Davidson, Allerdale Borough Council’s Environmental Services Manager, said: “The types of debris we can collect includes: furniture, carpets, televisions, microwaves, fridges, cookers, washing machines, bagged clothing, bagged litter, garden furniture and even washed up wheelie bins.

“Allerdale Borough Council is sensitive to the needs of the farming community – which was also devastated by the effects of the floods – and is keen to assist in any way it can. Our refuse collection vehicles are out in force to take away the household debris but will not drive onto the farmland so as not to damage the agricultural ground.

“We are working in partnership with Cumbria County Council and the Environment Agency to ensure the swift removal of this waste and help farmers to get their vital land back into use again.”

The Council is unable to remove the gravel, trees, tidal debris and other rubble which has been spread over various areas. However, members of rural communities are urged to apply for funding which has been made available to support this element of their flood recovery process. Contact the local action groups Cumbria Fells and Dales on 01768 869533 or Solway Border and Eden on 01697 349212 for more information. Applications must be received by the end of February.

ENDS 

For more information contact Daniel Cattanach or Helen Murphy on 01900 702526, corp.comms@allerdale.gov.uk