Carlisle flood group 'very concerned' with current flooding plans

The River Eden flooded into Rickerby Park last month and flood warnings were in place across the city.

Following a meeting of the group at Botcherby Community Centre, vice-chair Lewis Eckersley said that they were “very concerned” about the current plans.

The meeting of the Carlisle flood action group (Image: CFAG)The Eden River Trust are planning to remove a weir in Melbourne Park to help ease the flow of water, but Mr Eckersley called for the removal of gravel in the rivers and the “inversion of catch pits’ to help “lessen the strain on Carlisle’s bridges.”

“Carlisle’s three rivers have to be managed better and we have to be looking at ways of slowing down the water,” said Mr Eckersley.

“Ministers and officials have failed to respond to our concerns, and this now poses a threat to local businesses and residents are concerned.”

“This is a major subject that seems to always go on the back burner, and we need our elected representatives to come to the table on this problem.”

This year, the Environment Agency have said “significant progress” is planned as construction works will begin for the Adelaide Street area and appraisal work continues on the Caldew flood risk management scheme, which looks to reduce flood risk along the River Caldew from Denton Holme onwards.

Sharon Kennedy, Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Since Storm Desmond caused devastating impacts to the county in 2015, the Environment Agency has worked hard to deliver new and improved flood risk management schemes to better protect over 1,400 properties at risk of flooding in the Carlisle area.

“We are committed to continuing to work with our partners and stakeholders to provide even better protection for people and businesses in Carlisle and surrounding areas.”

CFAG passed a vote of no confidence in the Environment Agency in 2021 and have asked for a clearer plan for flooding in Carlisle which they say they have not received.

A Cumbria County Council spokesperson said: “Cumbria County Council lead the preparation of the Multi Agency Flood Plan for Carlisle which details how agencies will respond to major flood events within Carlisle. 

“The plan is reviewed regularly with risk management authorities and flood action groups with the last training event in Carlisle occurring in October 2022. 

“Part of the Cumbria Innovative Flood programme aims to work with the Carlisle community to better prepare for the residual flood risk and other emergencies, build better networks between communities to allow them to share knowledge and experiences. 

“This work is due to commence in 2023 and community groups, such as the Carlisle Flood Action Group, are encouraged to contact the programme at CiFR@cumbria.gov.uk if they wish to become involved in shaping the programme's work in Carlisle.”

A community drop-in delivered by the Environment Agency will be taking place for the Adelaide Street project on Friday, February 17 at the Greystone Road community centre.

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