MP questions whether lake waters were held too high by Environment Agency

12.00.00am GMT Tue 1st Dec 2009

Tim Farron has put the Environment Agency on the spot over claims that water levels in Lake Windermere were kept artificially high before the floods of 19 November.

Businesses at Bowness and Ambleside flooded after lake waters rose by several feet - but it is known that the Environment Agency regulate the level of the lake to ensure sufficient supply of water for greater Manchester, especially in the summer months.

Tim is concerned that much of the flooding could have been avoided had the Environment Agency taken heed of weather warnings in time and lowered the level of the lake to a natural level before the heavy rain arrived.

"I am extremely concerned that businesses and homes could have flooded when that flooding may have been avoidable."