A SHOP in Kendal suffered a 'flash flood' after a sharp spell of rain.

Castle Stores owner Maddy Evans said the store lost 'bits and pieces' of stock in the flood but was relatively unscathed thanks to her 'amazing' staff who managed to get to the shop quickly to help.

The Westmorland Gazette: The staff clear out the water pooled in the shopThe staff clear out the water pooled in the shop (Image: Maddy Evans)

The shop, on the Castle estate, shared photos of water pooled on the floor.

The downpour occurred between 2.30 and 3pm on Monday May 6, Ms Evans said. 

The flooding happens 'every two or three years' at the store but this was the worst time as the water reached the back of the shop, Ms Evans said.

The Westmorland Gazette: The water floods the shop from a drain located near the front of the car parkThe water floods the shop from a drain located near the front of the car park (Image: Maddy Evans)

Ms Evans added this happens when a lot of rain comes down at once and overwhelms the drain, which is outside the car park at the front of the shop, rather than continual light rain. The shop is slanted slightly downhill from the drain. 

The council came 'three hours' after the flooding, she said.

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"Something needs to be done about that drain," Ms Evans said. "I emailed the council that the drain should be regularly checked. It's no good coming to it after it's flooded, it needs regular maintenance." 

The water damaged electrical cables to the printer it uses for EVRI deliveries. New parts for the printer would be in the shop on Wednesday (May 8), said Ms Evans.

A spokesperson for Westmorland and Furness Council said: "Highways deliver a routine gully cleansing programme across the council area, including Kendal, to ensure areas particularly prone to flooding are maintained.

"Heavy rain over a short period of time can overwhelm the capacity of the drainage systems causing flooding, which is why it is also important for residents to report issues following a downpour via our approved reporting channels - the highways online reporting form or Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3306

“We respond to such reports when they are made aware to us, by sending a team to the location to assess the problem and undertake necessary repair work efficiently.”