Farron welcomes extra funding for South Lakeland farmers affected by floods

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that farmers in Cumbria have been granted £500,000 to help to restore their land after the floods last month.

Each farm may claim up to £6,800 to help to clear debris from the deluge. The funding is being made through the Rural Development Programme for England. The cash is in addition to the £2million already promised to communities in the county - £1million from central Government and the other £1million from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

Tim, who has been lobbying for additional funds, said:

"The effects of last month's flooding have caused distress throughout South Lakeland, including to farmers.

"Following the 2007 floods an estimated £11.2million worth damage was inflicted on productive farmland with some individuals affected up to the value of £500,000, with the Lyth Valley here in South Lakeland particularly badly affected.

"Given that the average income for a hill farmer is now less than £6,000, this grant will be a massive shot in the arm by helping farmers to make their land usable again and to allow livestock back to graze."

ENDS