04/01/2006 - The Environment Agency is trialling temporary flood defences in Carlisle, one year after the January 2005 floods. The portable flood defence system, which can be stored in sections and put together when needed, was trialled for the first time in December at Carlisle’s Etterby Terrace.

The defences can be safely built within two or three hours and when fully operational, can substantially reduce flood risk.

"As most people know, we are soon to start work on a permanent flood defence scheme for Carlisle," said Glyn Vaughan, Environment Agency Flood Defence Manager for Cumbria. "However, there are some areas which just aren’t suitable for a permanent scheme. We don’t want to leave properties unprotected, so we feel that portable defences like these could be the answer. They can be erected quickly and dismantled again once the threat of flooding is over.

"Following our first trial run, we’re now reviewing the results with Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council and the emergency services, as we need to check whether any further work is required to use the system safely in all conditions. If we do need to carry out further work, we’ll need the agreement of local residents and the City Council.

"We are hoping to have the portable system up and running and doing its job during the coming spring."