HOMES and schools across South Lakeland have been threatened by flooding following persistent heavy downpours.

Fire crews were scrambled to the scene of several flood-risk areas across the region yesterday.

The Westmorland Gazette: Street flooded by torrent of water.

Two houses were under threat of flooding, in Bridge Street, Burneside yesterday. Fire and rescue crews battled against rising water overflowing from a stream from 7.15pm to 1.15am, and were able to prevent the homes from flooding by using two pumps and sandbags.

The Westmorland Gazette: Homeowners struggle

Elsewhere, a fire engine from Windermere was called to help three homes under threat of flooding in Annisgarth, Bowness. However one home was flooded, and a garden wall had to be demolished to allow the water to run away.

The cellar and gardens of the Old England Hotel, in Bowness, had some flooding, but it is not yet known how much damage has been caused.

Fire crews were called to Troutbeck Bridge to divert water from an overflowing culvert.

Water has flooded the grounds of the Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge. However schoolchildren were not allowed to begin their half-term holiday a day early.

Neil Ward, facilities manager at the school, said: “It is about a foot of water. We have got a large puddle in front of the school.

“The school is open as normal, we just cannot use the approach road at the front of the school.

“Some staff were having a bit of fun in a canoe, but the water is going down slowly now. None of it went into the building.”