The Environment Agency is looking to the public for its views on the next phase of the new £25m Carlisle flood defences currently under construction.

Phase two of the scheme, focused on the Bitts Park and Sands Centre areas of Carlisle city centre, is set to protect key infrastructure in Carlisle, as well as more than 80 properties.

Phase one of the scheme, focused on the Warwick Road area, is still ongoing.

It is set to provide flood risk protection to 1,279 homes and 107 businesses.

Now the public is being asked to share its opinions on the second phase of the scheme.

The consultation will provide an opportunity for people to find out more about managing the impact of future flooding in the area as well as view the proposed planning designs.

Work compounds will be created in the Bitts Park and Swifts car park area from August 5, with works due to start later that month under permitted development.

Works will be carried out in line with the Government’s most up-to-date advice and workers have implemented social distancing measures.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, residents and business owners are invited to find out more online by visiting www.thefloodhub.co.uk/carlisle-phase-2.

Stewart Mounsey, the Environment Agency's flood risk manager for Cumbria said: “Since flooding in early December 2015, which saw large parts of the community affected, the Environment Agency has been working hard to better protect the area in the future.

"We continue to work closely with partners and the community and works on Phase one of the scheme are well underway.

"We are pleased to share this consultation for Phase two works today and encourage local residents and business owners to find out more about our proposed plans and share their thoughts with us.

"The current situation means that we are unable to run face-to-face meetings but we will ensure that we answer any questions that people may have and carefully consider suggestions in the same way as usual.”

The consultation will continue throughout August.