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AT RUBBY Banks Road in Cockermouth, domestic flood gates were conspicuous by their absence as the high and fast flowing River Cocker rushed past homes.

While in 2009 the street had been vulnerable to the water, with only a dirt track to be overcome by the swell before it flowed into homes, the street is now protected by a wall and the UK's first self-closing flood barrier.

The 130-yard barrier, which is part of the town's £4.4 million flood defences, rises automatically when the river is in flood.

Over the weekend, as the river flowed onto its eastern bank, the flood barrier lifted by a few inches to increase protection to homes on the western side.

Michael Conway, 72, of Rubby Banks Road, said the new defences brought added confidence for he and his wife Muriel, 89, who spent 11 months out of their home after the 2009 floods.

He said: "Naturally I think people get worked up when we have weather like we've had over the last few days.

"If it got to the top of the barriers it would be an absolutely horrendous situation.

"We were looking out of the window and the path on the other side of the river was covered. People were coming out and looking over the wall to see what was happening.

"Although the river got very high and it was very fast flowing it was not as high as when we had the flood in 2009."

Six years ago, Mr and Mrs Conway were in their house when the flood water rushed up the steps, through the front door and destroyed most of their possessions on the ground flood.

Though they had time to move some belongings upstairs to safety, many things had to be abandoned so the couple could escape the property.

They waded through their flooded garden and across a parking area to a boat, which rescuers were desperately trying to hold against a stone wall as the strength of water tried to wash it away.

With their dog lifted into the boat alongside them, they were taken to a rescue centre, soaked to the skin but safe.

The trio then spent 11 months in temporary accommodation while their home, which had ended up with more than four feet of water in it, was repaired.

Mr Conway said: "It was traumatic. You manage and you get on with it but it's awful.

"I think the Environment Agency has done a good job here.

"The new barriers are a protection but it doesn't mean we are completely safe. There's always a situation that can develop."