Emergency measures are in place to deal with future flooding in Allerdale.

The borough was devastated by floods when Storm Desmond hit last December.

Hundreds of people were evacuated as water gushed into their homes and many others were stranded as the roads became unpassable.

The council said it was prepared for the chaos, with many officers working more than 30-hours at reception centres and helping those in the disrupted towns and villages in need.

And as winter approaches, council bosses along with members of staff, are as prepared as they can be for what might happen in the coming weeks.

Chief executive Ian Frost said: "We are under the assumption that flooding could happen at any time as of today.

"We have already established a control room in Allerdale House and we have trained up more reception centre staff.

"All of the senior officers at the council are now on call to head up any emergency – we have to assume that there will be an issue this winter and not just flooding from the rain.

"The tide is a particular risk as is snow and wind and other natural events. We have to be prepared for any of those to happen at any time. I think we were prepared for Storm Desmond and we are even better prepared now."

The authority has secured an extra vehicle and crew to clear away leaves which could clog drains.

Mr Frost said they have scrapped the old route and are instead clearing flooding hotspots.

The council is also working with parish and town councils to collate helpful information, such as a list of emergency contacts, vulnerable residents and to pinpoint reception centres.

Staff are also identifying suitable, easily accessible, locations to store flood sacks to make sure they're immediately available if floods occur.

Storm Desmond resulted in 1,736 properties flooded. Out of those, 70 have still not moved back into their homes.

They so far have them at the cottage hospitals in Maryport and Wigton, fire and police station, pubs, petrol stations and town halls.

Ian Frost said: "At all times we have 10,000 flood sacks on permanant back order. When we use them, we get them straight back."

The council has so far received 759 applications for the £5,000 flood grant and has paid 238 of these totalling just over £900,000. There has been 554 applications authorised (including those which have been paid) which total more than £2million.