We're not flooded, you know

Wouldn’t it be nice if Cockermouth weren’t in the news?

Strange thing to say maybe but I do have a reason.

Every time the news covers Cockermouth they show a picture of an inshore rescue craft sailing down Main Street or a helicopter plucking someone from the top of a building.

The town has plenty going for it from summer festivals to the birthplace of Wordsworth, from a fine brewery to an equally fine selection of proper shops.

We might not have a team in the Champions League but we do have a very successful swimming club and, judging by the numbers of kids it attracts, the cricket club is thriving.

There are excellent schools and a community spirit that is up there with the best. A great relationship with our Twin Town, Marvejols, and lively social life.

So, whenever Cockermouth is on the news these days, all we have is floods.

People who don’t know the town always ask me if I was flooded. I think some people think we are still flooded!

So, BBC, Sky, Border TV – I know you are based on Teeside but you should know better – please lose the flood footage of stick it in your archive cupboard marked “not to be used again until the 100th anniversary”.