Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Cumbria Tourism issues advice to visitors
Cumbria Tourism is advising people planning to visit the Lake District, Cumbria over this weekend to continue with their travel plans provided they check in advance with the venue or accommodation provider about the situation in each individual area prior to commencing their journey. Ian Stephens, Chief Executive at Cumbria Tourism has said that it is hugely important that visitors understand that there are many parts of the county that are accessible and safe to visit this weekend. Mr Stephens said: “The Lake District and Cumbria is a vast area and is much larger than people realise. It is safe to travel with care on major roads, although there are still examples of localised flooding and road closures, specifically in the Cockermouth and Keswick areas.” The Lake District National Park is England’s largest and covers 885 square miles and is home to over 214 mountains. Cumbria is also the second largest county in the country and depends on tourism. Over 15.3 million visitors come to the county every year and bring more than £1.1 billion into the local economy. Cumbria Tourism represents over 3,000 tourism businesses in Cumbria and will be contacting each one of these businesses next week to determine the extent of any damage caused by the unprecedented weather conditions of the last 48 hours. Mr Stephens continued: “Most of the rain has now stopped across the county and the Environment Agency is expecting a break in the weather, which should result in a fall in river levels and an overall more positive picture across the county. “There are still a range of things to see and do and places to stay and dine. Many key events are still going ahead as planned this weekend including the world-renowned Kendal Mountain Film Festival. The festival is Europe’s biggest mountain culture festival and attracts a worldwide audience each year including many budding filmmakers into the popular Adventure Film Academy.” If visitors are concerned about flooding, they are advised to contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk and up to the minute information on travel and transport in and around Cumbria is available from www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria. Cumbria Police are urging members of the public to stay away from bridges and to use a cautious and common sense approach to remain safe including; not attempting to walk through floodwaters, and not to drive in the affected areas unless essential. For more information visit www.cumbria.police.uk.