MP's Campaign Secures Funding For Kendal Flood Defences
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has hailed as "fantastic news" the government's confirmation that Kendal will receive up to £24million of funding for flood defences. Tim has long been campaigned for this money.
In response to a parliamentary question by Tim, it has been confirmed that the government "will invest up to £24 million in flood defences in the Kendal area… subject to the Environment Agency concluding a review of its need". The Environment Agency is expected to publish its plans for the flood defence scheme shortly.
Tim has been pushing for funding for a flood defence scheme for the River Kent for over five years, and the government has finally agreed to give the required funding. Tim has repeatedly written to ministers and asked parliamentary questions to try to secure this funding, as well as collecting signatures for a petition in the local area.
The government had announced in the budget an additional £700million for flood defences. However, no mention was made of Kendal specifically. A subsequent government press release also failed to commit any specific funding for Kendal, stating only that the government would spend "£33m extra in Cumbria for schemes in Kendal, Appleby, Flimby, Eamont Bridge, Wigton, Pooley Bridge, Rickerby Park and Braithwaite" and £25m on a scheme in Carlisle.
Tim said: "This is fantastic news for our area. The floods in December had a devastating impact on Kendal, and showed how vulnerable the town is to flooding. With extreme weather likely to happen ever more regularly due to a changing climate, these flood defences will be crucial in protecting homes and businesses in the future.
"I have long been pushing for this money to be given, so am delighted that the government has finally agreed to provide the necessary funds. It is also an important win for the hundreds of local people who signed my petition calling on the government to build these flood defences. I'd like to thank everyone in the community who backed this campaign."