On Wednesday Caroline Spelman made a ministerial statement about flood risk insurance, attached. This indicates that Government is minded to continue with some form of levy system, or pool, but gives very little detail beyond that. The National Flood Forum has produced a press release which welcomes the fact that there has been some progress, but reiterates that this matter is urgent and that we need to agree the detail as soon as possible. We need to keep the pressure on both the Insurance industry and Government to conclude a deal that provides insurance to people that is affordable, that is accessible and which is socially just, i.e. it must protect those who are most vulnerable. Many of you have written to your MPs in these terms; we would encourage you to do so once again in order to ensure that MPs are under no illusion about the significance of this issue for voters. Please contact me
Planning consent granted for Cockermouth flood defence scheme
Good news – planning consent was granted for the flood defences yesterday. Another step closer. The flood defence scheme was granted planning permission by Allerdale Borough Council at a meeting on Tuesday 10th April, meaning the Environment Agency has been given consent to construct a series of walls, embankments and flood gates along the River Cocker and River Derwent that will increase flood protection to around 360 local homes and 55 businesses. Funding for the scheme has almost been secured, with a pledge from central government to provide £3.3million. Cumbria County Council and Allerdale Borough Council have also offered to make significant contributions, with the Cockermouth Flood Action Group, Cumbria Community Foundation, Cockermouth Chamber of Trade, local businesses and the local community working hard to secure the remaining funds that will be required. Once built, the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding in Cockermouth to a 1% chance in
Cockermouth Flood Prevention Scheme Wins Engineering Award
A £700k scheme designed to reduce the risk of persistent flooding in the Gote area of Cockermouth has won a prestigious North West Institution of Civil Engineers award. The flood alleviation project which now protects 42 homes was defined by a full programme of community engagement via the Cockermouth Flood Action Group comprising residents of the close knit neighbourhood. The Environment Agency encouraged community involvement, both in planning the scheme and its subsequent management. The EA project team and CFAG worked closely together throughout the project, with the action group securing long term ownership and maintenance agreements for a new pumping station. The group also contributed to delivering the project, working alongside the EA and its suppliers in designing and supervising the works. The end result is a project which has significantly reduced the flood risk to this community. ICE North West Regional Director Alan Butler described the project as
Flood defences on Rubby Banks Road
On August 29 2011 on our website an article entitled ‘Latest Flood Defence Proposals’ was posted. The article states that the preferred option for flood defences on Rubby Banks Road is a raising barrier, this is no longer the case. The article title has been changed to ‘Flood Defence Proposals’. There are three options regarding the flood defence on Rubby Banks Road, which are a solid wall, a wall with glass panels and the rising barrier. The Environment Agency are currently researching the relative cost, maintenance requirements and reliability of the options under consideration. Once we have the updated plans we will upload them onto the site.
