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Wednesday 25 November 2009

More Heavy Rain As Fears Grow Over Bridge

Sky News says: "Heavy rain has been falling on Cumbria again as fears grow that another key bridge may collapse. Up to 100mm (3.9in) of rain has been predicted, raising river levels and putting the emergency services on flood alert.

Cumbria County Council said Calva Bridge, which has been declared unsafe, has dropped a "several inches" more. It warned Workington residents that if it collapses, 11,000 homes north of the river will lose their telephone connections.

But the Environment Agency said river levels were not expected to be as high as last week when some parts of Cumbria saw more than 305mm (12in) of rain in 24 hours. Six bridges have already collapsed, causing major transport and logistical headaches for thousands of people.

As hundreds of residents of flood-hit Cockermouth were allowed back into their homes, work began shoring up flood defences."