United Utilities worked around the clock with the Environment Agency, and other partners to help protect properties from flooding over the weekend as a result of heavy rain and gales topping 50mph from storm Abigail.

Engineers from United Utilities closely monitored key parts of its water and wastewater network to make sure it continued to effectively operate during the adverse weather.

Tony Griffiths wastewater network manager said:

 “We drafted in extra staff over the weekend to deal with a 98% increase in flood related calls.”

“Even with our additional resource in place we would ask our customers to bear with us, whilst we work our way through the sheer volume of calls. We’re still prioritising jobs, so we can deal with flooding or potential flooding issues first.”

Areas close to the River Kent, including central Kendal witnessed military personnel helping to install temporary flood defences in the height of the heavy and prolonged rainfall.