Cumbrian Flood Group Founder Alleges Council Withdrew Support, Citing Risk to Lives

The founder of a flood action group has leveled an accusation against her local authority, claiming it has withdrawn assistance and left residents “basically our own.” Lis Dales, representing the Castle Street Community Flood Action Group in Kendal, Cumbria, stated that this alteration could endanger lives and was “bordering on the negligent.” Additional community organizations within the county have voiced apprehensions, suggesting that enhanced measures could be implemented to safeguard individuals. Westmorland and Furness Council affirmed its close collaboration with partners in addressing flood incidents. Ms. Dales was instrumental in establishing the group following the inundation of her residence in 2015 during Storm Desmond. She recounted that members had dedicated significant effort to collaborating with authorities on a strategy under which South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) issued early flood warnings and distributed sandbags to residents. However, she indicated that Westmorland and Furness Council, which succeeded SLDC in 2023, had informed her that these provisions would cease. She asserted, “It’s bordering on the negligent that our council is potentially putting people’s lives and livelihoods at risk.” The council stated that it “works closely with its emergency response partners to plan, prepare and respond” to flooding. A spokesperson clarified that “a limited stock of sandbags” was available for collection from local depots, but the authority was transitioning to “more community based support,” which it deemed more effective. Luis Eckersley, vice-chair of the Carlisle Flood Action Group, expressed that he had “pinned a lot of hope” on enhanced communication with authorities following the reconvening of the previously inactive Cumbria Strategic Flood Partnership. However, he noted that residents remained unaware of designated evacuation locations should they need to leave their homes during a flood event. Cumberland Council indicated that various reception centers might be utilized based on specific circumstances, and “to advertise this beforehand would cause a presumption on which centre may be used.” A spokesperson advised, “A safer approach is for communities to listen to the announcement through media messaging.” For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.