Work starts on new £2m flood defences to protect Cumbrian town

Flood defence works underway on Keswick's Penrith Road Credit: ITV Border

Work has started on a new £2million scheme to protect a flood-hit Cumbrian town.

A flood storage basin and pumping station are being installed in Keswick's Penrith Road area.

Cumbria County Council say the project will safeguard hundreds of homes and minimise surface water damage to surrounding roads and businesses.

From today (2 September) Penrith Road will be closed for up to 14 weeks with signed diversions in place.

The county council has created a page on the authority's websiteto keep residents and business owners up to date with the scheme's progress.