Residents and traders have hit out over the length of time it is taking to get firm flood defences in place.

A long list of options to protect towns and villages from future flooding has gone on display.

However, many people whose homes and businesses were swamped with water in the 2009 floods and Storm Desmond 18 months ago say it's too little, too late.

Jonty Chippendale, owner of The Toy Shop on Cockermouth's Main Street, is disappointed that firm proposals have not yet gone on display.

"We were promised at a meeting six months ago that by this time we would have a list of actions and once again all we have are options on the board," he said.

"What we are looking for is actions because in 120 days it will be November and we are all going to be looking at the rivers.

"I just see this as a wish list. That's my concern. Rather than giving us options, they should have liven us costed options."

The list of proposals, put together by the Environment Agency, focus on Cockermouth, Maryport, Flimby, Workington and Barepot because these are areas which have been hit by flooding in recent years.

Pauline and Gordon Hamilton were flooded out of their Barepot home in 2009.

"We lost everything downstairs," said Mrs Hamilton. "Even the car and the caravan. We only avoided being flooded in 2015 because Gordon went down to the meadow and saw water pouring down the tractor track and said it needed a trench dug.

"We just hope something gets done. It's so frustrating as we are always watching the weather forecasts."

Mr Hamilton added: "These are just a lot of suggestions and all of them were pointed out to them (Environment Agency) after the 2009 floods and nothing has happened."

The Environment Agency's flood risk manager Andy Brown said work has, and is continuing to be carried out. It includes building a flood gate at Rubby Banks in Cockermouth.

He added that the agency was keen to get the public's views much earlier in the process rather than just presenting them with a shortlist later in the year.

"We want to help people see and understand more about what's going on and get them involved," he said. "It is a long process. Doing work in and around rivers isn't like building a house – it's a lot more complicated."

It will be at least another year until any funding, or firm proposals are in place.

Mandy and John Drinkwater of Cockermouth were among those at a drop-in session for the plans.

The couple's daughter who lives by Tom Rudd Beck was flooded during Storm Desmond in 2015.

"I'm hopeful the options will stop future flooding," she said. "That's the idea but we'll wait and see."

Ronnie Moffat, who lives at Challoner Street, Cockermouth, was flooded in 2009.

"We were out of our house for over a year," he said. "There was six foot of water in our house and we had to fight for everything that we got.

"They (Environment Agency) are never going to get it right. If the water's going to find a way, they probably don't know about it."