A new flood protection plan to protect Cumbrian communities for generations has been presented by Floods Minister Rory Stewart today, 30 June.
The Cumbria Flood Action Plan sets out the short-term actions that will see 4,300 homes in the region better protected, as well as the long-term actions that will see local organisations and communities working in partnership to develop better ways of managing rivers and the land.
The government has already invested over £150 million in Cumbria through repairs to infrastructure, direct payments to flooded households and business, removing debris and gravel and funding to match the tremendous generosity shown in charity appeals.
This is a significant part of the Government’s new 25 year environment plan which will have a powerful and permanent impact – making Britain a safer, cleaner and greener place to live and work.
Floods Minister Rory Stewart said: “ The government has committed up to £72 million to protect Cumbria from flooding and this plan uses local expertise to identify where that money will be best spent to benefit communities, by re-examining river systems from source to sea. ”
Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager Andy Brown said: “ This action plan represents a step change in the way we manage flood risk in Cumbria. It sees local communities at the heart of the process, working with organisations to reduce flood risk along the length of Cumbrian river catchments, from the Fells to the coast.”
By winter 2016, the agency will, among others, remove 70,000 tonnes of gravel and debris from local rivers in the area.