One of the key figures in Carlisle’s restaurant scene has spoken of his ongoing ordeal following the floods – saying it could be the end of the year before he reopens.

Franco Bertoletti was left heartbroken when Ristorante Adriano in Rickergate was wrecked for a second time in December as this part of the city was submerged in December’s storms.

Now, with the six month anniversary of the floods approaching, his story mirrors the trauma many others are still going through waiting to get back into homes and businesses.

Mr Bertoletti says he is just playing a “frustrating” waiting game with his insurers.

The 69-year-old told the News & Star : “Nothing is moving. It is very frustrating.

“I am desperately waiting for work to start.”

Mr Bertoletti, who employed about 20 people, said he had lost some of his staff as a result of the floods.

“Some of my staff have moved on because they can’t wait forever,” he added.

“They need to work.”

Mr Bertoletti has been at the heart of the city’s dining scene for four decades.

He has run several restaurants in Carlisle in the past, including La Cucina in Lowther Street, Michelangelos in English Damside and Vivaldi’s in Lowther Street.

It took nearly seven months to reopen Ristorante Adriano after the floods in 2005.

He said: “I am hoping that work will start soon.

“Realistically I think we are looking at the end of the year before I can re-open.

“I really hope it isn’t any longer than that.”

The floods that hit Adriano’s were much worse this time. In certain places the water touched the ceiling and destroyed all the furniture and the piano.

Mr Bertoletti said: “I felt hopeless when it happened as we were totally booked.

“Before Christmas is the busiest time. It’s what you wait for. People were booked for their Christmas parties.

“I felt for them as well because probably they wouldn’t find anywhere else to go.”