RESIDENTS upstream of Kendal's Victoria Bridge are at greater risk of flooding than before Storm Desmond, claims the secretary of a flood action group.

Ian Kell represents the Benson Green and Sandes Avenue group, which is pushing for better flood protection for 20 households and the premises of Victoria Bowling Club, the St John Ambulance and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Retired lecturer Mr Kell says temporary work done to the bridge by Cumbria County Council has impeded the River Kent's flow and made the bridge into 'Victoria Dam'.

He said: "My son's house is immediately adjacent to Victoria Bridge on Benson Green and it's an irrefutable fact it will now go under - given Storm Desmond conditions again - faster, deeper and for longer."

However, a CCC spokesman countered the claim, saying: "The temporary works have not altered the nature of the river bed next to the exposed piers to the extent they would cause any real increased in the reduction to the capacity of the flow beneath the bridge."

Mr Kell said the group was also concerned that CCC would not be installing flood defence works at the back of nearby County Hall until 2020. He said neighbours felt so precarious, they were now trying to raise £21,000 to buy flood gates and barriers for the riverside, and South Lakeland District Council had given £1,000 'seedcorn funding'.

A CCC spokesman told the Gazette the existing risk of flooding in that location had not changed. The Environment Agency added that it was investigating the feasibility of using temporary metal barriers to protect properties at Benson Green/Sandes Avenue.