Action groups aided flood victims

Carlisle was devastated by the floods in January

Neighbourhood forums are an effective way of dealing with emergencies in Cumbria, such as the January flooding, according to the council.

Cumbria County Council's local committee for Carlisle was looking at action plans to support communities recovering from events such as these.

At the time, neighbourhood forums were set up, attended by agencies involved in responding to the emergency.

These highlighted the importance of groups working in partnership.

County councillor Cyril Weber, chairman of the local committee said: "Partnership working during the flooding was essential to make sure that communities affected had as much support as they needed during that difficult time.

"I am extremely proud of the way staff worked during the emergency and the recovery process.

"One issue that has been identified through the Carlisle floods is the need to work with local communities and the city council to develop neighbourhood action plans for their areas.

"This will enable us to co-ordinate support to communities allowing all agencies to be involved focusing on what matters most to residents."