Cunningham Lindsey's Flood Response Office in Cockermouth
8 Dec 09
Following the devastating floods which hit Cumbria at the end of November, Cunningham Lindsey have received a substantial amount of claims in the area.
The areas affected, which can be hard to reach at the best of times, the scope of the damage caused by the floods and a need for Cunningham Lindsey to be as accessible as possible meant that securing local office space was a priority.
Fortunately for us, and a collection of Cockermouth businesses hit by the floods, local auctioneers Mitchells stepped forward. Mitchells’ fine art auction site on Station Road narrowly escaped the rising flood waters and now, with help from a £100,000 grant from the North West Development Agency and a good dollop of ingenuity the Station Road site is now providing a temporary home to 12 local businesses, throwing them a lifeline by allowing them to continue trading.
Cunningham Lindsey's offices are situated on the Lakeland Agricultural Business Centre, on the site of Mitchells’ Lakeland Livestock Centre. The site, which is just outside Cockermouth town centre, provides an additional 14 units.
One Surveyor commented: “The facilities are a little basic, but there is a fantastic atmosphere. The cattle auctions are still being held twice a week and you get a real feel for the local community.” And a word of warning: “Biscuits and caffeine-based beverages seem to be the currency of choice around here. Mitchells have graciously allowed us to use all of their facilities but we must ensure the stocks are kept replenished!”
Our “second home” in the Lakes comprises a pair of offices – which have that vital broadband connection – which can house 10 working in relative comfort. There is also a boardroom on site, which can be used if needed.
Mitchells’ Chairman Bob Watson was quoted as saying: “Many businesses are vulnerable still. We know we will have some dilapidation at the end of it all, but we need to get this town up and running again. We are delighted to be able to help.”