MP visits Kendal flood protection scheme base

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has visited the Environment Agency's Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme new site compound.

Work will start on the new, three phase flood scheme in early 2021, which is set to reduce the risk of flooding to 1,480 homes and 1,151 local businesses in Kendal, Burneside, Staveley and Ings.

Tim said: "This has been a very long time coming, but it's great to see the construction work on this multi-million pound flood scheme get underway.

"We all know too well the devasting impacts that flooding has had on our communities, and particularly on people's livelihoods and their mental wellbeing.

"I really hope that many of the people whose homes and businesses have been damaged by flooding in recent years will start to feel a sense of relief and encouragement, by knowing that long-promised protection is now on its way."

Stewart Mounsey, Flood Risk Manager for Cumbria said: "Work is due to start on the £76 million Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme in early 2021, with the site compound nearing completion.

"Over the coming weeks, residents in Kendal will start to see an increased presence from Environment Agency and Volker Stevin as the final plans are made for construction to begin. Once completed, the scheme will better protect 1,480 properties and 1,151 businesses from flooding as well as delivering many benefits for the environment and the local economy.

"The Environment Agency will continue to keep local residents informed of the progress of the scheme, with key details being posted regularly on the flood hub https://thefloodhub.co.uk/kendal/.

"While we cannot prevent flooding all together, the Environment Agency will continue to work with communities around Cumbria to support them to be resilient to flooding and we are prepared to take action this winter wherever it is needed. "