Prince toasts efforts to recover from flood

Prince Charles on his visit to Cumbria today

The Prince of Wales enjoyed a Guinness at Pooley Bridge where he also heard how the historic Grade I-listed structure across the River Eamont which united the village was washed away during storms as he met contractors who have installed a temporary bridge which was officially opened on Sunday.

At the Sun Inn pub in Pooley Bridge, Charles lifted his half-pint and said: “I wish you all a very good fortune - here’s to Cumbria, open for business.”

Earlier, Charles met students at Ullswater Community College in Penrith, which serves the largest catchment area in England, amnd ssaw demonstrations of dry stone walling and hairdressing.

The Prince was given a guided tour of the college’s Applied Learning Centre by headteacher Nigel Pattinson before he was treated to a display by the college’s cheerleading team and a performance of Joseph And The Technicolour Dreamcoat by its music and drama group.

He was particularly impressed with the energetic performance of the cheerleaders.

After he unveiled a plaque to mark his visit, he said: “I am so impressed to see all your vocational training opportunities and the huge difference I am sure that must make in the long run in providing people with that all-important alternative to the academic side.

Meanwhile, Calderdale Council has warned that money offered by Chancellor George Osborne to help repair damage to roads and bridges following the Boxing Day floods will not cover the whole cost.

Calderdale was promised a share of £130m announced by in last week’s Budget for flood repairs. It has now been confirmed the authority will be given £19.7m but the council estimates the total cost of repairs at £32.5m.

Council leader Tim Swift said: “We’ve been working hard since the Boxing Day floods to make our case to the Government.

“Obviously we’re delighted by this award and by last week’s announcement of £35 million to the Environment Agency for flood defences in Calderdale.

“This will allow us to rebuild our vital infrastructure and restore confidence in our towns, which are continuing to recover from the devastating floods.

“However, the impact was so great that we still face a funding gap of around £11 million and we will continue to press the Government for further support.”