Penrith and the Border MP, David Maclean has called on the Government to make a statement in the House of Commons on the damage caused to Cumbria because of the recent violent weather.

Commenting from Westminster David said, "Of course all our attention is rightly focused on the massive tragedy in the Indian Ocean and despite the sad loss of life here and the awful damage caused, our problems in Cumbria are smaller by comparison.

"Nevertheless, thousands of people, not just in Carlisle but across Cumbria have been affected by flooding and severe storm damage. I am particularly concerned about the damage to the bridge at Langwathby which has cut off thousands of my constituents on the east fell side.

"Whilst I want the Government to give a firm assurance that the Bellwin Formula will be implemented immediately, nevertheless, if the County Council has to bear the cost of constructing a new bridge at Langwathby then that is a special expenditure which the government should bring forward immediately in its roads budget."

Other Cumbrian MPs will also be notified so they can work together.