A RESIDENT who was flooded in 2015 hopes a £1m flood reduction project will mean she no longer worries every time it rains.

Carol Tindall, who lives on Westfield View in Flimby, had her world turned upside down in 2015 when Storm Desmond flooded her home with three feet of water.

“My personal view is it has been five years since we flooded and I wish they would get on and do something about it,” she said.

“Every time it rains we are on tenterhooks, you think it is going to happen again.”

Cumbria County Council has secured the investment from the Environment Agency for the project, which will reduce the risk of flooding to properties badly hit in 2015.

It will reduce the risk of flooding from nearby watercourses and surface water that affects the village.

The council has the potential to apply for a further £500,000, should extra funds be needed.

The works consist of the following:

n Diversion of peak flows from Penny Gill to Furnace Gill. Diverted flows will be limited to a maximum allowable transfer flow.

n Construction of a detention basin located in the field to the north of the Farmers Way development. It consists of a one-metre high embankment with controlled outlet and bank lowering to allow Penny Gill watercourse to spill into the detention basin. The basin will hold water during peak periods of rain overloading Penny Gill.

n The addition/upgrade of surface water drainage systems in the residential areas of Coniston Avenue and Solway Avenue.

n The full diversion (within a culvert) of Cat Gill from where it crosses Church Road into Bragg Beck, located south of Flimby.

n Construction of additional dams to slow the flow of water in woodland to the east of Flimby.

n Remediation works to an existing flood gate next to the A596.

“It was horrendous, absolutely horrendous,” continued Carol, explaining what it was like to be flooded.

“I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It happened so quickly we couldn’t save anything.

“We had to find somewhere to live and we were out of the house until the end of June/early July.

“We were all in the same boat on this side of the street. I had never flooded before and some of the things you never think about putting above water level were lost.

“I had pictures of my mum and dad and grandparents, and some pieces of china they had.”

The project has been designed to withstand a ‘one in 75-year event’.

Alongside the council, the contractor will aim to complete the detailed design of project works and secure any necessary permissions for the project during the spring of 2021.