County to get £1.4m for flood and erosion schemes

The Environment Agency has pledged the money for this financial year

A £1.4m pot has been pledged to address flood and coastal erosion risk in parts of a rural county.

The Environment Agency confirmed the funding to Cumberland Council, with nine projects already earmarked.

They include contributions to schemes in Bootle, Carlisle, Maryport, Ennerdale Bridge, Low Crosby and Millom and Haverigg.

The council said the funding would help to reduce the risks to properties, roads, railways and agricultural land.

Councillor Denise Rollo, executive for sustainable places, said: "Our priority is ensuring that residents across Cumberland feel safe and protected from the risks of flooding."

The authority said the money, which was allocated for the current financial year, prioritised "the most impactful schemes".

Projects include work at Etterby Terrace, Wigton Road and Stanhope Road in Carlisle, at the harbour gates in Maryport and the River Annas in Bootle.