MP helps secure £2 million for Cumbrian flood relief schemes

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that Cumbria has been awarded more than £2m for flood prevention projects around the county.

The government cash will be used for flood defences in the Workington, Ulverston and Threlkeld areas. There will also be restoration work on the rivers Kent, Derwent and Eden. Cumbria County Council said 21 projects had been put forward, and while it welcomed the funding for five of them, it hoped that in future years more money would be forthcoming.

Tim has pushed hard for extra funds to protect the residents alongside the River Kent. He recently raised the issue in the House of Commons and asked for the Government to prioritise local flood relief schemes after the recent bad weather. Tim is meeting ministers next week to discuss flooding issues with Defra minister Dan Rogerson MP.

Tim said: "Residents and businesses need certainty and we need to make sure that communities are protected. This funding and the schemes are something that I and other MPs have lobbied and fought for.

"The recent bad weather shows that more money must be spent on flood defences. I'll keep pressing the government to look at all the local schemes and when I meet government ministers to discuss this issue next week, I'll continue to press the case for further funding for local schemes."