PROBLEMS with sand bags and water pumps, questions about the flood defence system and praise for the community spirit were the main talking points at Appleby Town Council last Wednesday.

As residents come to terms with the aftermath of one of the biggest floods to hit the area, the town's councillors were looking at what they could learn from last week's events.

Coun John Pape said that, although it was an exceptional flood, questions needed to be asked of the Environment Agency.

"The pumps down at the swimming pool car park were intended to purge the inside of the protected area drains and to keep them sufficiently under control to stop flooding in Chapel Street and Holme Street this didn't occur," he said.

"It's no use saying it won't happen again. We are going to have intermediate floods causing the same problems and I would like to think we could move authorities to give us a talk."

There was concern at the problems caused at the Bongate side of town and Coun Hugh Potts said improvements could be made: "The EA have bottlenecked the river putting into place the Chapel Street flood defence scheme and the flood water has increased in depth on The Sands because of this."

Councillors spoke of the damage they had seen in the town when Doomgate turned into a flowing torrent of water. Coun Ella Langan said looking at the marks on the walls it was at least 2ins higher than the last major flood 30 years ago. She also said not all businesses got sandbags outside their doors and some are looking at £5-6,000 worth of damage.

Despite concerns about the number of sandbags provided, Eden District Council maintained they had provided an ample number with more than 3,000 distributed throughout the district.

It was also mentioned that the town council would look at preparing emergency stocks such as blankets in case of future floods.

The council resolved to invite the EA to visit it and discuss the matters raised and what the problems were.

People needing to get rid of flood damage items will be able to get large bags from the Tourist Information Centre. Over the next few days there will also be a skip on Broad Close and two on The Sands for residents to use. Those wishing to dispose of storm damaged fridges or freezers should contact EDC on 01768-212324.