RESIDENTS and the owners of a Kendal garage have struggled to find parking as the development of the flood relief scheme continues.

Many parking spaces used by residents in the Castle Street area will be lost for 18 months while the Environment Agency (EA) builds flood walls on the banks of the River Kent. 

South Lakes MP Tim Farron visited the street to discuss the ongoing parking issues and called the situation 'intolerable' to the point where it has even caused arguments between residents.

He said: "The number of people who turned out to meet me indicates just how important this is to residents of this part of Kendal.

“I heard first-hand how the loss of parking spaces for the Castle Street area is causing undue anxiety, stress, and even arguments between friendly neighbours.

“This intolerable situation cannot be allowed to go on for 18 months. That’s why I’ve asked for at least thirty additional temporary parking spaces for residents to be found whilst this disruption goes on.

“I want to thank everyone who came out to speak to me and to thank the EA for engaging with residents too - and I hope they will work with me and the local council to find practical solutions to solve this problem.”

READ MORE: Kendal man to leave town due to Environment Agency flood scheme

The Environment Agency said the £76million scheme will help to protect more than 2,000 homes and businesses in the River Kent catchment from flooding and that it is planting more than 4,000 trees in the area.

An EA spokesperson said: "We understand the concerns of the community and are committed to helping find a way forward.

“Along with our ongoing discussions with residents and Tim Farron MP, we are working closely with Westmorland and Furness Council to minimise any disruption caused by the construction of Kendal’s new flood scheme. 

“We will continue to keep residents updated through regular newsletters, have a team available at the Information Hub in Little Aynam every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 4.30pm and are hosting a community event at the Castle Street Community Centre on Thursday 7 September between 3pm and 7pm.”