Workington flood alert delay investigated

35 homes were flooded in Workington as the River Derwent rose to record levels Credit: ITV Border

The Environment Agency say it's investigating why there was a four hour delay in warning people about flooding in Workington.

Around 50 people attended a flood forum meeting in Workington last night, to hear a draft report by the Environment Agency and Cumbria County Council into how parts of the town flooded during Storm Desmond.

35 homes were flooded along with the town's police station, after the River Derwent reached record levels.

One of the problems highlighted was that nobody was told to evacuate until homes had already begun to flood.

Many people in the town now want to see action taken to prevent further flood damage.

A community flood plan is working to ensure that call-out periods are specified, in the hope that people won't be left not knowing when to evacuate and so evacuation facilities are ready as early as possible.