By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 12:24, Monday, 17 December 2012

The Environment Agency is to study flood risk along the River Ehen and is working with councils in the wake of recent flooding.

Homes and businesses across Copeland were swamped with heavy rainwater which has left a trail of devastation in recent months.

Copeland Council, together with the Environment Agency and Cumbria County Council, say they are working hard to prevent any future floods.

The Environment Agency has secured funding to conduct a study of flood risk from the River Ehen and is working with the two councils, as well as United Utilities, to investigate flooding from other sources.

It says the results will identify a range of measures that can be put in place to reduce the risk of future flooding.

Work has already been done to clear debris from becks and ensuring drains are clear.

And this week people living in Egremont, which was one of the worst-hit areas, will be able to find out more about the problems in their town.

Copeland Council is holding a drop-in session for people who were flooded on the Orgill estate to attend.

This is the third monthly drop-in session that the council, along with Cumbria County Council, the Environment Agency and other partners, have held.

Pat Graham, Copeland’s director of services, who has led the flood recovery co-ordination group, said: “We have held a series of drop-in sessions to respond to the immediate needs of people who have suffered from the flooding which has taken place on too many occasions this year, and who may have been evacuated from their homes.

“However, we recognise that people now are keen to understand both why the flooding occurred, and more importantly, what can be done to stop it happening again. This has been a challenging process, and there is still much to be done, but we are now in a position where we will be able to answer some of people’s important questions relating to the Orgill estate, and we want to do that.”

The session, which will allow residents to access welfare support and advice, takes place at the Falcon Club on Orgill, Egremont on Wednesday, from 3pm to 6pm.

First published at 11:22, Monday, 17 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk