A NEW flood protection plan to protect Cumbrian communities for generations will be presented by Floods Minister Rory Stewart today.

The Cumbria Flood Action Plan sets out the short term actions that will better protect 4,300 homes, as well as the longer terms actions that will see local organisations and communities working in partnership to develop better ways of managing rivers and the land.

The Government has already invested over £150m in Cumbria through repairs to infrastructure, direct payments to flooded households and business, removing debris and gravel and funding to match the tremendous generosity shown in charity appeals.

This plan includes:

1. Better protecting at least 4,300 Cumbrian homes from flooding using up to £72 million of government funding – this is £4m more than previously announced.

2. Restoring 350 hectares of peatland to hold water upstream for longer at several sites around the Eden, Derwent and Kent/Leven catchments.

3. Making changes to the way United Utilities operates – to make sure local reservoirs are better managed so they hold more water during flood events.

4. Working with four small communities to agree how the way the land managed above the villages can be changed to reduce risk to residents, whilst also maintaining benefits for farmers and landowners.

5. Making sure that all future planning permission granted in Cumbria takes account of learnings from Storm Desmond.

6. Considering how we can reduce flood risk along the three catchments most severely impacted by Storm Desmond - the Eden, Derwent and Kent & Leven.

7. Measures will include tree planting and restoring river bends as well as more traditional engineering solutions such as flood walls in towns.

Mr Stewart said: “This plan is what Cumbria needs to help protect its businesses, people and infrastructure from flooding - now and over the longer term. This is largely thanks to the incredible spirit of the Cumbrian people, with local groups, local authorities, the Environment Agency and landowners all working with us to find the best answers for every area.

Environment Agency flood risk manager Andy Brown said: “This action plan represents a step change in the way we manage flood risk in Cumbria. It sees local communities at the heart of the process, working with organisations to reduce flood risk along the length of Cumbrian river catchments, from the Fells to the coast.

“The development of the long term plan relies on continuing to work with the communities and farmers who live alongside these rivers and have experienced flooding at first hand. This is your opportunity to get involved and help make Cumbria more resilient to flooding.”

To view the plan visit www.gov.uk and search for ‘Cumbria Flood Action Plan’.