Important information...

Tuesday 24th November updated at 13:35

As Cumbria starts a new working week in the aftermath of the unprecedented weather that has hit the area, the county's leading tourism organisation, Cumbria Tourism is keen to stress to visitors that Cumbria is still very much open for business.

The Lake District, Cumbria is open for tourism business

Visitors are advised to check the situation with individual accommodation providers before travelling

Cumbria is a vast area and many parts of the county are largely unaffected and remain accessible

Ian Stephens, Chief Executive at Cumbria Tourism is calling for visitors to continue to support the county's vital tourism industry during this difficult time to ensure that businesses, lives, and infrastructure can be rebuilt.

Mr Stephens said: "Given the recent events over the past few days, it is more important than ever that people realise that, despite media reporting, Cumbria is not underwater. The Lake District and Cumbria is a vast area and there are many parts of the county that have been largely unaffected and continue to be accessible.

"In conjunction with partners across the county, we will be doing all we can to help those tourism businesses; specifically in the Cockermouth area that have suffered flood damage and our key aim will be to ensure that they are in a position to be open and trading again as soon as possible.

"In many cases this will take a number of months but tourism businesses in the Western Lake District have a strong sense of community spirit and I have no doubt that they will step up to the mark and show just how resilient they can be.

There are around 80 tourism businesses in the Cockermouth catchment area and Cumbria Tourism believes that at least half will have been severely disrupted.

However, in order to get a clear picture of the impact that the floods have had on Cumbria's tourism industry, Cumbria Tourism is today surveying its 3,000+ member businesses and will report on the findings in due course.

Tourism is one of Cumbria's most important industries and over 15.3 million visitors come to the county every year and bring more than £1.1 billion into the local economy.

Mr Stephens continued: "We appreciate that this is a very difficult time for tourism businesses but we would ask that they feed their concerns into us to enable us to influence key decision makers and funders across the county to access as much help and support as we can on their behalf."

"We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and offers of help that have been received both from members of the public via outlets like our faceboook fan page and from accommodation providers who are offering reduced rates for people who are currently not able to return to their homes.

"Cumbria has triumphed from adversity in the past - from our recovery after Foot and Mouth in 2001 to the Carlisle floods of 2005, and it makes me proud to be part of such a strong, world class tourism industry that is recognised on a global scale.

"We must pull together and be positive going into 2010 and show the world that Cumbria is open for tourism business."

For specific information on tourism in Keswick, visitors are advised to visit www.keswick.org

Recent information from Keswick is:

"Despite heavy flooding in Cumbria, Keswick is open for business.

Keswick's town Mayor, Andrew Lysser, commented that Keswick would welcome all visitors; that the fells are still here to be walked and that shops and attractions are ready with a welcome.

Flooding in Keswick has subsided and currently our main restriction is the vicinity of our two closed bridges, Greta Bridge and Station Road bridge. Vehicular access to Keswick is from Penrith Road off the A66 and from the A591 onto Ambleside Road to Penrith Road. Borrowdale Road is now open, as is the A591 to Bassenthwaite.

The AA advise motorists not to rely on Sat Navs as these may show minor routes which may not be passable. The best advice is to plan your own route using major roads.

The advice to visitors is to check with your accommodation if you have already booked, but if you are considering a visit check www.keswick.org for updated accommodation information. Accommodation affected by flooding will show they have no availability so you can book with confidence with those listed with rooms available."

Forthcoming Events in Keswick:

This weekend: Food fayre and Christmas Lights switch on, Friday 27th Nov 1pm -  7pm

Keswick Theatre Club presents "Dutch Uncle" a jet black comedy in the Studio Theatre from Tues 24th to Wed 25th November at 7-45pm. Tickets £8 from the theatre box office 017687 74411

All scheduled plays at the Theatre by the Lake www.theatrebythelake.co.uk

Keswick Lecture Society - Ancient Egyptian Mummies and Modern Science - 1st December www.keswicklecturesociety.co.uk

Keswick Traditional Christmas Fayre on Sunday 6th December with free car parking in Keswick town centre - www.peabodys.co.uk/xmasfayre

If visitors are concerned about flooding, they are advised to contact Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or visit the Environment Agency website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk.

Information on travel and transport in and around Cumbria is available from www.bbc.co.uk/cumbria.