AN investigation has been launched into flooding that has devastated hundreds of homes in Millom.

A major clean-up continues today (Monday October 2) after more than 200 homes were affected following heavy downpours on Saturday.

This afternoon, two emergency road closures have been announced. Albert Street in Millom is set to be closed for 10 days due to a collapsed sewer, while Lancashire Road will be closed due to serious damage following flooding.

The closure will remain in place until it is made safe for vehicles.

Concerns have been raised by members of the community about blocked drains in the town.

Millom mayor, Angela Dixon, who helped clear drains during Saturday morning’s flooding, said: "We had to get the drains unblocked to get some kind of normality back. Most of the drains when I was rodding them felt like they were full of concrete.

“We will have to have some new drains if we're going to get flooding like this. We have to get rid of the water."

Mikaila Munroe, 37, of Market Street, Millom, added: "It [water] was bubbling out of the drains. You couldn't see the pavement."

Concerns were raised to Copeland MP Trudy Harrison and Cumbria County Council.

Mrs Harrison said: "I have spoken with the Environment Agency and understand that the band of heavy rain that deluged Millom was a very narrow band, unusually not resulting in any river flooding warnings for the area.

"This was an isolated surface flooding issue. Initial feedback from residents suggests there may be some concerns of blocked drains, further questions have been asked about sluice gates.

"An investigation is now under way and I will follow this up and ensure the Millom community is informed of any findings, causes and routine maintenance work that will be carried out as a result."

A county council spokesman said: "The weekend’s flooding in Millom was a result of exceptionally heavy rainfall.

"Gullies in the town had previously been cleared in May this year and on Saturday gully crews were on the ground clearing silt that was accumulating because of the rain.

"Crews are back in the town checking and clearing where needed. As is standard, the council is now conducting a flood investigation which will identify the factors that contributed to the flooding in the town."

Measures are being put in place to help residents.

Opening hours at Millom’s Household Waste Recycling Centre, Red Hills, will be extended to make it easier for people affected by flooding to dispose of damaged items.

The site will now open seven days a week, from 8am to 4pm, until further notice. The usual permit system will also be relaxed to allow people to use larger vehicles to clear items and the council is working to have skips placed in affected areas.

A county council spokesman said: "We’re taking this step to try and make life a little bit easier for people. There is likely to be a lot of people trying to use the site so please be patient and make sure you speak to your insures before you dispose of anything."

Copeland Borough Council will collect bulky items from flood affected properties free of charge. Call 01946 598300 or email info@copeland.gov.uk

People affected by the flooding, who will be making an insurance claim, are strongly advised to speak to their insurance company before disposing of any flood damaged items. Insurance companies usually wish to inspect the damage as part of any claim.

Mrs Harrison has praised the multi-agency response, adding: "Once again my thanks goes to the exceptional support from across the county and the phenomenal community spirit."