Cumbrian funding could help farmers replace agricultural buildings

17:12:20 16th December 2009

Farmers and gardeners could benefit from choosing plastic sheds and steel buildings as flooding becomes a regular occurrence in certain parts of the country.

Following the recent bout of devastating floods in the north-west, farmers in Cumbria have been promised £500,000 of aid to get back on their feet.

Many found their land swamped under water and debris, which also caused millions of pounds worth of damage to agricultural buildings, offices and homes.

As a result, environment secretary Hilary Benn announced the new fund, which will allow farmers to apply for grants of up to £6,800 to get their land back in working order.

A further £1.2 million will be made available by the Department for Environment Food and Agriculture through Local Action Groups to provide further support to farmers and businesses, many of whom may be seeking to replace agricultural buildings.

Mr Benn said: "Many farmers have been severely affected, with large quantities of stones and other debris washed onto their fields.

"In the short term, the funding will be a big help to farmers to make their land usable again and to allow livestock back to graze."

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