EGREMONT flood defences will get a £1.6 million boost as part of a government pledge.

The town has been named as one of 13 projects across England which will benefit from a share of £62 million,.

The news will be welcomed by those living in the town, which has been swamped by water several times over the last few years.

Egremont councillor Mike McVeigh said he was “absolutely delighted” with the news.

“This is great news. It’s going to be a great help for the citizens of Egremont who have suffered with flooding over the years,” he said.

Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers announced the new round of flood defence investment yesterday for communities across Yorkshire, Cumbria, the North East and the South East of England.

She said: “I am delighted to announce over £60m of additional funding to better protect communities which are vulnerable to flooding, particularly across parts of northern England.

“Events this summer have shown that investing in flood risk management is more important than ever, and this funding builds on our long-standing £2.6 billion commitment to better protect 300,000 homes from flooding and coastal erosion over six years.”

Cumbria and Lancashire are due to receive the second largest amount of funding, with £22.8m now available to support four flood projects in Kendal, Egremont, Flimby and Preston and South Ribble.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said: Flooding can have a devastating impact on communities.

“The government’s injection of an additional £62.35m will help protect communities, and ensure they remain vibrant places for people to live, work, and visit.”