Flood project hit by delays

Kendal was hit by severe flooding in January 1999

A £2m flood prevention project in Kendal has run into problems.

The Stock Beck scheme was supposed to prevent a repeat of severe flooding which brought chaos to the Lowther Park and Silverdale Drive area in January 1999.

Torrential overnight rain forced police to shut nine main roads, more than 50 homes were flooded and fire crews used a boat to rescue seven people from a day care centre for the disabled.

Flood water up to 2ft deep inundated homes in the two streets after the drains proved inadequate during particularly heavy rain.

But the scheme has faced repeated problems, most recently the route had to be changed because of underground rock outcrops.

Pump standby

Major engineering work is now not expected to be carried out until next spring.

Government spending rules have also changed, meaning South Lakeland Council must invest more on ground work upfront before the government will say whether it will pay the £2m bill.

Sue Barton, a director, said councillors have to confirm they are prepared to spend large amounts of taxpayers' money on the scheme.

She said: "I think this is one of those 'steady as she goes' moments and not a case of panicking or thinking it is not going to happen."

Councillors have always said they are committed to making sure the Lowther Drive floods never happen again.

Pumps and sandbags are now supposed to be on standby for the area whenever heavy rain threatens.