Lack of maintenance and too many new houses have contributed to flooding in Maryport.

That was the opinion of the 10 people who turned out to hear the results of the flood investigation report last night.

Some residents of Selby Terrace were flooded on December 3 and others two days later.

After the floods United Utilities was there on an almost daily basis and residents were told they had removed 75 tonnes of rubble from the main Victorian drain.

Linda Renac, who has lived on the terrace for 17 years, said there had never been any regular checks of the drains in all the time she had been there.

She said there was also a build-up of debris that needed clearing.

Other residents were concerned bout housing developments.

Pamela McKenzie was one of three residents from the newer Elbra Farm estate.

She spoke about ongoing discussions with the Environment Agency which had led to nothing.

During the December floods, another resident said, it was discovered that the large culvert they were told would be installed at the edge of the estate was in fact a 450mm clay pipe.

They said the drainage was inadequate, the maintenance non-existent and too many houses were being built.

Another woman spoke of the flooding on Netherhall Corner and down to Lawson street.

“They should never be building more houses at Netherhall,” she said, referring to planning permission that has been given to Story Homes to build more than 200 houses there.

Chris Evans, flood risk adviser for Allerdale, said communication was vital.

“This is just a draft report. We have identified work that could be done but you know the area better than we do.

“This report has no empathy. It is cold-hearted in that it just states the fact as we know them and does not reflect the trauma of having your home destroyed,” he said.

But he and a panel representing the Environment Agency, the county council and Allerdale Council were ready to take individual questions and concerns last night and would work on finding answers.

He spoke about resilience measures – trying to prevent individual properties being flooded – and the £5,000 grant available to indivduals.

Mrs McKenzie said she has been waiting since March for resilience funding.

“We have not got it because Allerdale is insisting on two quotes and builders are so busy at the moment we can’t get two quotes.”

She was told that she and anyone else in this position should contact Allerdale for help.