Cumbria Flood Recovery Works in Full Swing

The Environment Agency has outlined an extensive repair program worth around £10 million in Cumbria as it builds on 100 days of vital flood recovery work following record-breaking wet weather in December.

More than 3,000 flood defenses have been inspected and around 100 repair projects identified across the county as part of the program of work due to be completed by the autumn this year.

Recovery work led by the Environment Agency over the past 100 days has seen teams working around the clock to assess and repair damage to flood defenses in time for next winter. Work so far has included repairs at Appleby and the removal of 30,000 tonnes of gravel washed downstream in Kendal, Keswick and Glenridding.

Work is also underway to identify what more can be done to reduce the risk of flooding in future. Flood Support Officers have visited more than 100 communities to provide advice and hear from those affected.

The Environment Agency will continue to hold a series of flood forums alongside Cumbria County Council so that local communities can help to shape future plans.

Alongside the recovery work, the Environment Agency is on track to better protect 44,000 properties across England this year through its continued program of investment in flood defense schemes.

This work is part of a £2.3 billion government investment in more than 1,500 flood defense schemes, reducing flood risk to 300,000 properties by 2021.