Readers got talking about the scaling back of phase three flood defences, of which senior Labour members claim it's due to a £16 million shortfall in Government funding. 

The Environment Agency revealed that phase three of flood works, centred around Denton Holme, Willow Holme and Caldew, will be scaled back, due to the scheme not offering the desired “long term benefits." 

The EA will now consider a new way forward for phase three of the flood defence works.

Former deputy leader of the city council, Mrs Martlew said: “Why should we be left in the dark? The scheme they put forward was a comprehensive scheme to enhance defences where needed and they’ve left out a key part, a quarter of Carlisle.”

Flooding is a serious concern for those that live along the River Caldew, raising further fears for residents ahead of the next storm season. 
Douglas Baptie on social media, wrote: "Let's hope the water hasn't heard about levelling up". 

Sylvia Bulman commented on the progress of the flood defence: "Thought it was strange how slowly things were progressing, seem to have forgotten about the Caldew." 

A commenter, by the alias of bmwbrads, said: "Why didn't the labour government not do something when they where in power ?" 

Orange Jaffa replied with: "The floods around that time happened just before the 2010 general election, so had no chance to make any changes. But as the floods of around 2009 were still fresh in 'tory minds', why have they taken so long to do less?"

Damien Morris said: "Funding shortfall , this was all costed , planned and agreed , worrying that there has been very little communication at all really at all levels about the scheme."

Egils Zivtins wrote: "It's EU funding that's gone. Takes courage to tell this truth." 

To which, Geoff Mitchell replied: "EU grants were just our money being recycled but with a large amount skimmed off by Brussels."