A NEW 24-hour telephone service for dealing with all flood, weather and highway related inquiries has been established for Cumbria on 0845 6096609. There is also a dedicated information website available at www.cumbriaalert.info This number is for flood, weather and highway related issues only. For all normal council services members of the pubnlic must contact their local council direct - telephone numbers can be found in area phone books.

The helpline has been set up in partnership by Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council, Eden District Council, South Lakes District Council, Barrow Borough Council and CAPITA. It will be staffed by CAPITA, Carlisle City and Cumbria County Council employees.

Anyone who needs to contact the county council about county council services should do so either by using the telephone numbers advertised in the phone book and Via www.cumbria. gov.uk or by contacting the council's switchboard on 01228-606060.