MP pushes for early start to River Kent flood defences

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is pressing the Environment Agency to start work on a £25million flood defence scheme on the River Kent as soon as possible. At a meeting with the Environment Agency, Tim stressed that work must be started to provide reassurance to local flood victims who fear a repeat of last winter.

Plans for the scheme are currently being drawn up, and are expected to be released in the early part of next year. The scheme will be made up of a range of different projects along the catchment of the River Kent.

Tim said: "It will be over a year from the floods by the time the plans are finalised. Many local residents are still not back in their homes, and those that are live in fear of flooding every time there is a downpour. For their peace of mind, this project must be started as soon as possible.

"I'd like to thank Environment Agency officers for their work. However, for the sakes of local flood victims who have already suffered so much, the government must prioritise this flood defence scheme and get it underway without delay."