Bridges face safety checks in UK floods

An urgent safety review of Cumbria’s 1,800 bridges was under way today with emergency services warning one bridge could collapse at any time and 50mph winds forecast.

Structural engineers and military experts were focusing first on key bridges in the worst-affected areas, including the Calva Bridge in Workington which has reportedly sunk by about a foot

A Cumbria police spokesman said there were “severe concerns” over its structural integrity, adding: “It is reported as being extremely unstable and could potentially collapse at any time.”

The Met Office forecast coastal gusts of 60-65mph from mid afternoon and high winds inland of 50-55mph. Some 40-50mm of rain was also predicted on high ground.

There were fears the high winds could topple trees which have been left unstable because of the flooding.

Meanwhile the bad weather was claiming victims elsewhere in the country.

A canoeist died during stormy conditions after getting trapped against a tree yesterday afternoon on the River Dart at Mel Tor, Poundsgate, Newton Abbot.

And a search was under way this morning for a woman believed to have been swept in by the River Usk in Brecon, South Wales at about 7pm last night. The river is under flood watch.

In Workington, Cumbria, the closure of the Calva bridge cut off the northside of the town and outlying villages.

Police have blocked off the road around a quarter of a mile from the structure, which is understood to also carry power cables, as strong winds buffeted the area.

The closure meant many residents from a row of terraced houses who were flooded out on Thursday can still not get to their homes.

Many of the now homeless residents milled around at the police cordon, sheltering from the wind and driving rain as Tony Cunningham, the local MP for Workington, arrived at the scene this morning.

Mr Cunningham said: “Seaton is about a half, a quarter of a mile away but last night people were having to take a 90 mile journey that would normally take a minute and a half.

“We have concerns about people who have not got prescriptions, medication, the medical centre is down to its last nappies for babies.

“I spoke to residents...they are distraught at what’s happening, the police station is out of circulation because they have been flooded so it is difficult for the police.

“My major concern is residents who are cut off. Things are getting desperate.”

Mr Cunningham said money will be found to re-build the bridges destroyed by the floods and he hoped another bridge around six miles away at Papcastle, near Cockermouth, should be open later today once structural engineers declare it safe to cross.

But he also suggested temporary structures may need to go up in the short-term.

“We need some temporary bridges built, we have been in touch with the army this morning, the army is looking at Bailey-style bridges.

“I have to say the community of northside is really brilliant. ”They are doing everything they can, they have been knocking on every door to make sure neighbours are safe.

“The community spirit is incredible.

“Can I also pay tribute to the courage, professionalism and heroism of our emergency services.”

Churches across Cumbria offered prayers for flood-stricken communities and the family and friends of Pc Bill Barker, who disappeared into the swollen waters of the River Derwent early on Friday morning after the Northside Bridge at Workington collapsed.

The Bishop of Carlisle, The Rt Revd James Newcome, said it was important to pray for the flood victims but added that churches have also been helping in practical ways, supplying food, clothing and shelter.

Police warned the public against all non-essential travel in West Cumbria where road networks have been severely disrupted.

A total of 16 bridges and at least 25 roads remain closed.

River levels have subsided but four severe flood warnings remain in place.

About 60 people were still sheltering in the two main reception centres and more than 700 properties remained without power.

Around 20,000 flood defence bags were being handed out to people in Cockermouth and Keswick this morning.