Questions are being asked about what's being done to protect Cumbria from more catastrophic flooding.

A year to the day since Storm Desmond struck, the Government is being told that it to more - quicker and better - to try and stop devastation on such a scale ever happening again.

While the floodwaters have long gone and recovery in places have been impressive, a massive amount of work remains both to repair damage and protect people.

About 6,400 homes and businesses were flooded, schools were closed, bridges collapsed and roads destroyed - with a section of the A591 washed away.

One year one - and with almost 700 families unable to return home - there is a frustration about what's being done to try and hold back waters in future.

And people are fearful that the county is not prepared should the unthinkable happen again any time soon.

John Kelsall, chairman of Carlisle Flood Action Group, is among those asking questions.

"Many people put on a brave face, plenty of smiles and encouragement but deep down there's a cynicism, a trepidation both financially and what is going to happen again in the future," he told the News & Star .

"Because of 2005 and then 2015 in strong living memory there's a lack of confidence and trust. Something needs to happen to create that trust."

Shadow Floods Minister and Workington MP Sue Hayman says the Government needs to do more to protect communities.

"We have come a long way in the 12 months since I stood in the flood waters on Cockermouth Main Street with Rory Stewart," she said.

"The way that the community came together and helped clear up the town in town for Christmas was inspiring. However, there are still major issues which need resolving, particularly around flood insurance for businesses.

"Many small, independent businesses are still struggling. They are the heart of our communities and we need to have the right support in place for them, otherwise we will see more and more of them shut up shop in the face of impossible recovery costs.

"The Government really needs to do more to ensure that all communities are properly flood resilient for the coming winter months."

Mrs Hayman added that people are fearful about what lies ahead.

"I know many people are very nervous about what the coming winter may bring," she added.

"The National Flood Resilience Review makes many promises, but not enough is being done quickly enough, and I will continue to push Ministers as to why communities need urgent action now.

"My constituents urgently need this protection for their homes and businesses. There are no easy answers, but communities deserve proper help, support and protection for the future."

Mr Kelsall and the Carlisle action group have called for better strategic planning going forward and want the Government to create a dedicated floods authority, separate from the Environment Agency.

Paul Mogford, from the Cockermouth Emergency Response Group (CERG), said: "Generally speaking in Cockermouth I think the majority of people are back in their houses and although it was a big disruption everything for them seems to have settled down.

"But there is a minority that are not sorted. They are maybe not back in the house or back in but the building work not complete or has been done badly.

"Many people are struggling emotionally and although some people may be back in their house, they are very downbeat and anxious about what's going to come.

"Anybody who was flooded is looking at the winter and thinking what is going to happen in those three or four months."

CERG was recently set up to help residents and businesses in the hours before an emergency kicks into gear, carrying our tasks like removing furniture and getting people to safety.