in-Cumbria spoke to Phil Byers, the manager of Keswick Market, who told us how the traders got back to business.

How did the floods affect your business?  

Groupe Geraud has lost two consecutive Saturday markets in this area completely; Keswick and Workington. This is a loss or revenue to Geraud and Allerdale Borough Council. The other days we have managed to operate have been reduced revenue and poor trade for our traders. At least 10 of our traders have been flooded at home or business. This means they have not been able to trade. 

W hat were the knock on effects of the flooding/power cuts/road closures?  

The knock on effects are with the road closures mainly, the extra time it takes for me and our traders to get to Keswick because of diversions. Also the major road closures on the roads leading to Keswick, the main Ambleside Grasmere route will be closed for months. The bridge at the lower end of Keswick is closed meaning a trip around by car. More importantly, no foot access means people without transport are not likely to be able to get to the market. These problems are already showing in low footfall in the market.

Have you reopened/relocated?  

We reopened on Thursday with about 75% of our traders, we were really pleased to see how many traders braved difficult circumstances to get to Keswick. The effort was very much appreciated by townsfolk and shopkeepers throughout the town.

What are your plans for the future?  

In the short term we will be holding markets on Saturday 12th, Thursday 17th Saturday 19th, a special replacement market on Sunday 20th and on Thursday 24th. In the longer term we will continue to help the town with our award winning market. Would you consider moving? We have been in market square for hundreds of years so moving from the heart of Keswick is not in our plans. We consider ourselves very much part of the community and part of the tourism experience. 

Where were you when you found out and what was your initial reaction?  

We were in Keswick on Saturday 5th when it all started. I called that day’s market off due to the wind and rain as the conditions were dangerous. I travelled back to Penrith and kept up to date via social media and the local TV and radio. I was totally shocked at the devastation, it was bad in 2009 but this was much worse. 

What’s your message to other flooded businesses?  

The message to other flooded businesses is try to get back as soon as possible. Keswick is a great place to work with great people all around and visitors from all over the world. Keswick will bounce back, it did it in 2009 and will do it again. 

What evidence have you seen, of the #spiritofCumbria in action?  

To see Cumbria in action is amazing, to see the people getting together to help is inspiring. I saw volunteers everywhere on Thursday in Keswick; in the park, town and on the roads. We gave a stall to some people raising money for the flood rescue effort on Thursday and will do so again on Saturday. It is great to see such a community effort.