AN area in the Lake District has been ranked one of the worst in the UK for storm overflow spills, according to a recent study. 

Allerdale ranks eighth in the country for storm overflow spills in 2022, registering an eye-watering 6,774 in total. 

Utility Bidder carried out the research and concluded that Cornwall was the guiltiest party with 11,285 spills, while Carmarthenshire and County Durham completed the top three. 

Storm overflows are designed to prevent sewer flooding by discharging wastewater into rivers which can be detrimental to both the environment and wildlife.

While they are praised for helping to protect streets and houses from flooding during heavy rain, they also pollute the water of rivers.

Allerdale also ranks fifth in terms of total duration of spills with 55,662 hours, with an average of 8.2 hours per spill.