The Environment Agency has committed around £24M for the development of flood defences in Carlisle, to prevent a recurrence of the 2005 disaster.
This work includes building of flood barriers, and upgrading of main sewerage pipes throughout the city, and has caused major disruption to traffic, residents and businesses alike.
However......
I look out the window in Eden Street onto two surface drains - one of which is now sprouting grass, and both of which have remained blocked since last Autumn. In heavy rain, these flood, and the excess runoff heads to Etterby Street where it sluices down to the lowest point in the road, to be met by another two blocked drains, at which point it takes a short-cut to the River Eden.
Surface runoff through the front door might not be quite as devastating as a lake advancing rapidly up the driveway, but it's still a messy and expensive business.
Anyone else out there with blockages to report?
