RESIDENTS whose homes were devastated by floods nearly six years ago fear a long-awaited flood alleviation scheme may never be built despite an offer of major government help, reports Michaela Robinson-Tate.

Residents in Silverdale Drive and Lowther Park, Kendal, are launching a petition urging South Lakeland District Council to press ahead with the Stock Beck flood alleviation scheme.

They are acting because they believe that, despite the announcement of the assistance, totalling £3 million, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, some councillors will not support the scheme.

The news comes in the week that SLDC pledged £325,000 towards the design of the first stage of the project to restore the northern reaches of the Lancaster Canal.

Council environment bosses said this week that the Stock Beck scheme would not just benefit previously flooded out residents, but that around 150 homes, including some in Ann Street, and Whitbarrow Close, would get additional flood protection.

However, less than half the £3 million is a direct grant, and bosses still fear a big capital outlay.

The floods of January 1999 wreaked havoc on more than 50 homes in parts of Silverdale Drive and Lowther Park, and a small number of homes in Calder Drive.

Later that year, SLDC's environmental services committee made the Stock Beck scheme its top priority, and the authority has since spent around £500,000 on work including acquiring the field north of Sedbergh Road which would be used as a flood reservoir.

David Bowen, of Lowther Park, said that he had been in touch with the council and understood that the Stock Beck scheme was not a certainty.

"The feelings on the estate are that everybody's frightened to death every time it rains.

"Even though they have got the grant from Defra, it doesn't necessarily mean the council will do it, principally because there are a few on the council who could vote against it because they feel it will be too much trouble to do.

"If it carries on like this there will be lives lost because if there are any elderly or infirm people they won't be able to get out of the water fast enough."

Mr Bowen said that their homes nearly flooded again in February this year.

Silverdale Drive resident Jackie Birch said SLDC had promised to do the scheme: "We want to let them know that we are still here and we want it done."

The Defra assistance of just under £3 million still leaves the council around £200,000 short for the scheme. In addition, the Defra money would be split, with 45 per cent being a direct grant. The council would have to find the remaining 55 per cent, although Defra would pay interest on any loans, or replace lost interest payments if the council used its capital receipts.

Coun leader Colin Hodgson said the cabinet would need to look at all the figures on December 8, and the issue would probably be passed to full council.

"I can't categorically say here and now whether we will do Stock Beck or not."

Coun Hodgson said he understood why residents were anxious, but pointed out that houses in Grange-over-Sands had flooded several times recently.