WE’VE experienced a significant increase in flooding events over recent years – with residents of Millom and Haverigg being particularly hard hit. Having met with many of those whose homes have been flooded out, I know how traumatic this has been and the impact it has on people’s lives.
But now an incredible £40m of government funding will deliver a major flood risk management scheme for those two communities.
This is one of the largest investments the area has ever received to tackle flooding and it’s a huge step forward for local people who have lived for far too long with the worry and disruption caused by repeated deluges.
I’m happy to have played a part in bringing this about, but it’s the culmination of months of work from councillor Bob Kelly, Cumberland Council, government ministers, and the Environment Agency.
The scheme will protect homes and businesses, strengthen long-term flood resilience and deliver local employment opportunities during the construction phase.
Going forward, it will support economic growth and future investment in the two towns and complement the £25m Millom Town Deal work that’s already underway.
It’s a major step forward for Millom and Haverigg which means greater security for families, more confidence for businesses and a stronger foundation for the future of the community.
It also delivers peace of mind; less worry and stress at the prospect of another flood occurring.
Last Thursday, I brought together key agencies in the Ulverston Town Council office, to discuss the flooding risk facing the town because progress on the flood alleviation work had stalled and action was needed.
By getting together the Environment Agency, Westmorland and Furness Council and local councillors in the same room, my aim was to reignite momentum, ensure full engagement and transparency across every organisation and refocus attention on the risk flooding poses to Ulverston as a whole.
I’m pleased to report that progress has been restarted and partners have been encouraged to strengthen communication and work together more effectively.
It was a productive session and an important step forward for residents who have endured repeated flooding and who deserve practical solutions and a renewed commitment from every agency involved.
I’ll be writing to residents to update them on the meeting.
On Walney and in Barrow, major improvements to the wastewater network are underway, with United Utilities upgrading 21 storm overflows across nine locations.
Among the projects is the construction of a massive below-ground storage tank to the west of the Ferry Hotel, which will impact on some parts of the recently-completed 1.4 mile North Walney walking and cycling route – but United Utilities has pledged to make good any disruption.
In the long run these measures will help to protect our neighbourhoods from unusual weather events which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.