HOMES and businesses in Kendal are to be better protected from flooding and coastal erosion as part of plans published by the Government and Environment Agency, with £82.1m invested in more than 100 schemes in 2020/21.

The investment is part of plans outlining £5.2 billion of investment over the next six years. More than £860 million will be spent in 2021/22 boosting design and construction of more than 1,000 schemes across England as part of the Environment Agency’s annual capital programme.

It is all part of the Flood and Coastal Erosion Investment Plan which sets out how new flood and coastal schemes will better protect 336,000 properties by 2027, helping to avoid £32 billion in wider economic damages and reducing the national flood risk by up to 11 per cent.

In South Lakeland the £76m Kendal scheme is currently in construction and when complete will better protect over 1400 homes and 1000 businesses as well as making improvements to public spaces, walking, cycling and the environment.

Investigations also continue for potential schemes in South Ulverston. This scheme will reduce the flood risk in South Ulverston from the world’s shortest and deepest canal, taking into consideration the impacts of climate change.

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said: “We have seen some devastating flooding around the world so far this summer. No one can prevent all flooding and climate change means the risk is increasing, but we can reduce the risks.

“Having completed the government’s six year capital programme on time and on budget, better protecting over 300,000 homes from flooding and coastal erosion, this year we began the government’s new £5.2 billion flood programme.

“These schemes should provide reassurance to communities and businesses, but no one should have a false sense of security. I strongly urge people to sign up for flood warnings and regularly check flood risk on gov.uk.”