Trudy Harrison has praised her community for their hard work and commitment during a week of sub-zero temperatures.
Trudy is thanking the efforts of her Copeland community during a period of extreme weather conditions which saw roads blocked, minor operations cancelled, and more than 23,000 homes across the north west left without power.
Electricity North West deployed 400 engineers, battling the extreme conditions to restore the region’s power, while emergency service teams and medical staff walked miles through snow to get to work – many staying overnight due to impassable roads.
Wind speeds of over 60 mph were felt across the whole of the north west, gusting to over 90mph in places, while almost 50cm of snow was recorded in the region.
Mrs Harrison, said: “The atrocious weather conditions we have seen over the past week have created havoc across the county, leaving homes, many in isolated and rural areas inaccessible and without electricity – however in true Cumbrian style we have once again seen courageous acts of heroism and community spirit with emergency workers, utility companies, charities, individuals and businesses going above and beyond the call of duty.
“One again the strategic Gold Command was triggered, deploying British military including the RAF to deliver supplies - I commend the hard work and commitment of all those involved including Cumbria County Council, in working to get our county back up and running in such challenging winter circumstances following Storm Emma.”
Today, some parts of Cumbria remain cut off with a number of main and rural roads still closed, including Cold Fell between Ennerdale Bridge and Calder Bridge due to snow.