It's not even an old rock, it's a 21st century work of art. But it's upsetting people. (In Carlisle. I don't know if that makes a difference. I've never been there so I can't comment).
I'm sure there's some Cumbrians around here will offer their opinion, but it stinks to me of a council trying to distract attention from the dreadful flood precautions they'd taken.