THE remarkable sense of community spirit that has filled Millom since the town was hit by the devastating floods earlier this month has come as no surprise to me.

I spent the Monday following the floods meeting people across the community whose homes and possessions had been ruined and lives had been turned upside down. Sadly, some of those whose homes have been flooded are experiencing this for the second and even a third time.

More than 300 homes have been affected and my heart goes out to them and, on behalf of Copeland Council, I'd like to offer them all our support during this trying time.

But amid the heartbreaking scenes, Millom's community spirit has been shining through. I didn't doubt this for a second - I know how strong the Millom community is - and I know that Millom folk will get all the support they need from their fellow townsfolk and beyond as they continue on the road to recovery.

As soon as the rain hit, the community kicked into gear and there were tremendous examples of folk looking out for one another wherever I went. Millom Pensioners Club – or Tin Chapel as it is known - opened up its doors to serve soup and hot drinks, and has since become a real community hub for people to go and get the support they need. The staff at Millom Community Hospital and Waterloo House Surgery worked tirelessly to minimise the damage to the building during the worst of the rain, and Age UK West Cumbria invited people in need into its shop to collect free clothes, blankets and towels, while its cafe has been serving free soup daily.

Players from Millom RL Club have been out and about, doing their bit in the community, as have the town’s mayor and councillors. While residents themselves have been there for one another, and quickly set about raising money and gathering cleaning products for those who need them.

We’ve been working with a number of partners, including Cumbria County Council, to assist in the aftermath of the floods. The household waste recycling centre has extended its opening hours and relaxed its permit process to allow people to dispose of their ruined items. Skips have also been located at several points in the town, and our waste team is offering free collection of bulky items for those who can’t get to the recycling centre or the skips (email wasteofficers@copeland.gov.uk).

Our housing options advisers have been on hand supporting people with housing needs and we are putting out an appeal for landlords with properties to let to get in touch (email housing.options@copeland.gov.uk). While our building control team is offering assistance to uninsured homeowners who believe their home may have suffered structural damage from flood water in or underneath their property (email buildingcontrolemailgroup@copeland.gov.uk).

It's an old cliche that adversity brings out the best in people, but from the evidence I've seen in Millom over the past two weeks, it really and truly does.

I'll be holding a public meeting at Seascale Methodist Church Hall on Wednesday October 18 at 6.30pm. I'll be giving an update on various Copeland Council projects and there'll be plenty of opportunity for residents to ask questions. Hope to see you there.