KENDAL'S Flood Risk Management Scheme has reached a milestone this month, according to the Environment Agency (EA), eight years after Storm Desmond wreaked havoc on the town. 

The town was hit by its worst flooding ever recorded between December 4 and 7, 2015 with around 3,000 properties damaged in the storms - more than in any other town in Cumbria.

Hundreds of people were made homeless and thousands more were left without power across the north west in the storm which was thought to have broken the rainfall record set in 2009.

The flood relief scheme, which is taking place in three stages, is a major investment to protect more than 1,400 homes and 1,100 local businesses across the catchment.

Work on the 6km of Flood Defences is currently taking place in the Gooseholme area however recently 'hit a wall' after an 18ft block of concrete was unearthed.

Area Flood Manager for Cumbria and Lancashire, Richard Knight said: "This is a complex scheme which has required time to survey, design and consult with the community as well as work with utilities and landowners to deliver.

"Gaining planning approval, utilities service diversions and difficult ground conditions when starting work have all had an impact on delivery, as did the early stages of the COVID pandemic.

"However, several sections of the scheme have been completed including the Parish Church and Waterside Flats, Sand Aire House, Romney Gardens, Clarks building and Dockray Hall."

The EA began the construction phase of a 39-metre glass flood, part of the overall flood defence works, adjacent to Stramongate Bridge on the entrance to Gooseholme Park in March of this year.

The glass wall was chosen, says the EA, to both protect homes and businesses from flooding without spoiling the town's historic beauty and retaining riverside views. 

Mr Knight added: "This month we are reaching a milestone in the delivery of the scheme with the installation of the glass panels at Gooseholme.

"We are doing everything possible to make sure that we complete the scheme as quickly as possible and are aiming to ensure that it is operational by winter 2025."

A flood alert risk has been issued in south Cumbria due to recent rainfall and snowmelt with the River Kent currently 'at risk'.