The extensive and unprecedented rains in Cumbria over the last few days have caused extensive flooding in Cockermouth. The Jennings brewery, which lies next to the confluence of the rivers Cocker and Derwent, has been affected. Floodwaters up to 4 feet deep have entered the brewery.

Staff are all safe and only those urgently needed to work on site are being asked to come in. Gaynor Green is doing a sterling job in managing the situation locally and dealing with the national media interest in what is happening.

Brewing operations at Jennings in Cockermouth have halted. Customer services calls are being handled from Wolverhampton. We have enough Jennings beer in the logistics system to last for some days. Supplies of other beers from across the Group's other breweries are of course still available for all customers.

Most of the brewing equipment lies above the level of flooding and is unaffected. However, until the waters recede we cannot assess the damage.

Various crisis plans are being put into action to cover the immediate needs of the business.

A number of pubs in the area have been affected, including some MPC tenancies.

With more rain forecast for the weekend it is not yet clear when this extreme weather situation will cease.

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Date created: 20 November 2009