Clean-up as flood causes examined

Sand bags were put in place as floods threatened homes

A clean-up operation is continuing in parts of Cumbria which were hardest hit in floods on Tuesday night.

The village of Bridgefoot, between Cockermouth and Workington, was hit as homes flooded when the River Marron and Lostrigg Beck burst their banks.

Some people have blamed inadequate drains for being unable to cope.

The local authority is responsible for making sure water gets into the drains. Once under the road, it is water fir United Utilities' responsibility.

At least 80mm of rain fell in 12 hours on Tuesday, about the same that would normally be expected to fall in two weeks at this time of year.

Some residents in Bridgefoot believe new housing developments are putting further pressure on the system.

Ian Payne, Allerdale Council's emergency planning manager, said: "Flood risk is very high on the agenda when dealing with the planning framework which allows new developments.

"When an application is put before the council, various consultations are taken with companies like United Utilities and we would take their views on board before granting planning consent."