Our boys to the rescue! Marines bring supplies after snow chaos in Cumbria
MILITARY arrived in Cumbria today to take emergency supplies to "extremely isolated" parts of the county after snow from Storm Emma wreaked havoc across Britain.
Areas including Fellside, South Stainmore and Alston had been cut off for five days and will remain so for another 48 hours thanks to heavy snowfall and slow progress in clearing the roads.
A Chinook helicopter has been brought in to drop supplies, including food, coal and logs for heating and electrical heating appliances as the rescue operation began today.
Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council, said: "We have some communities who have now been stranded for five days and we have to do all we can to ensure that they are safe and well.
"Despite our very best efforts and our crews working day and night we are experiencing ongoing significant challenges in accessing some of our communities.
"The depth of snow and the challenging nature of the terrain is making progress on clearing roads exceptionally slow.
"As a result it is estimated that it will be at least 48 hours before we reach many more of these communities hence the need to bring in military assistance and we are very grateful for their help."
Wing Commander Gary Lane, RAF Regional Liaison Officer for the North West, said: "The Chinook helicopter gives the partnership another dimension to be able to deliver vital supplies by air to areas that are cut off by other means."