MP BACKS CAMPAIGN FOR IMPROVED DRAINAGE IN GRANGE AND CARTMEL

Today, South Lakes MP Tim Farron along with local Grange and Cartmel Councillors has backed a campaign for improved drainage along Meathop Road.

Meathop Road is subject to regular flooding. The flooding along the road is a threat to local businesses, homes, and wildlife. The Environment Agency and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) have yet to award a 'Flood Risk Activity Permit' that would allow local businesses to carry out vital work to clear the blocked culvert that allows water to drain away. In addition, the MMO has yet to approve a license for the proposed work.

The 'Seldom Seen' culvert, which sits underneath the rail embankment, is repeatedly blocked by silt from Morecambe Bay and despite multiple calls from residents and Councillors, the Environment Agency and MMO appear to be dragging their heels. The flooding is bringing business in the area to a grinding halt and virtually barring residents from leaving their homes. Hence, work needs to be carried out immediately to resolve the issue.

Tim joined local residents and Councillors on site this weekend to see the flooding for himself. Today, he has issued a formal demand to the Environment Agency, MMO, and Network Rail to show the urgency that this problem merits. Alongside residents and local Lib Dem Councillors, he is calling for the necessary permits and licences to be expedited due to the threat posed to local businesses, residents, and livestock in the hope that the process can be sped along.

Speaking today, Tim said: "It is so obvious what needs to be done. The culvert is blocked, and we have the ludicrous situation where there is less water on the bay side of the railway line than there is on the inland side! The golf club, other business, farms and residents are in complete limbo until action can be taken. The Environment Agency and MMO must consider the urgency of this situation and act accordingly.

"This is not a one-off situation, Meathop Road continuously floods due to this blockage, and the EA and MMO need to recognise this and award this permit so that work can be carried out swiftly and as needed.

"It is set to reach below-freezing temperatures this week and if this water was to freeze this would be catastrophic to local people and businesses."