Business re-opens as usual for the Ullswater Steamers

Credit: ITV Border

There was a sign today that things are starting to get back to normal in one the places hit hardest by last month's storms.

Glenridding was flooded multiple times but a boat service connecting it to other villages on the shores of Ullswater has sailed for the first time in six weeks.

Ullswater Steamers was hard hit by the December floods too. The pier and ticket office were flooded. The Lady Wakefield is still beached at Pooley Bridge, so damaged she'll be out of action till April.

The roads around Glenridding became treacherous with snow today but the steamer was able to sail for the first time.

People who've been affected by the floods in Glenridding, Patterdale, Pooley Bridge, Howtown and Martindale can get a free season ticket to help them get around with many of the bridges being closed.

People have to apply through participating newsagents and must prove they live in the local area all year round.

It's a bit of good news for the business, which has spent much of the last month dealing with flood damage.

Credit: ITV Border

The boat still can't get to Pooley Bridge but traders in Howtown will be glad tourists are coming their way again.