THE flood-hit villages of Flimby and Braithwaite are set to get improved flood defences following a multi-million-pound funding announcement this week.

Chancellor George Osborne announced a £700 million national funding pot for flood defence works Wednesday's Budget.

The Treasury yesterday confirmed that £33 million of that had been allocated to Cumbria, with Braithwaite and Flimby among the areas to benefit.

Cumbrian leaders were already in discussions to secure flood defence funding as part of a planned devolution deal for the county.

The villages were among the areas they wanted to see benefit.

It is not known how the cash will be split between the areas named across the county. 

Keith Little, county councillor for Flimby, said: "I think the Government recognises that these situations can't keep going on.

"It just shows the drainage systems we have aren't as good as they could be.

"I'm glad the Government have realised that.

"We'll make sure it's well spend for the benefit of Flimby people."

In Braithwaite, Terry Franks, landlord of The Royal Oak, welcomed the funding but warned that new defences were only part of the picture.

He said: "We have got to think about how many millions have been spent on flood defences already and there's still flooding.

"We can't just build defences higher and higher. The water need to go somewhere.

"The Government needs to look at improving flood recovery as well."

But the funding announcement was greeted with disappointment elsewhere in the county, as Cockermouth, Workington and Keswick, which were all hit by December's floods, were not included in the plans.

Their flood action groups have pledged to keep pressing the Government for improvements to flood defences and river management across the area.

Sue Cashmore, chairman of Cockermouth Flood Action Group, said: "We are one of the areas hardest hit.

"We don't get occasional flooding, we get flooded regularly.

"We have got defences but on the whole they didn't work."

Amanda Wallace, chairman of Workington Flood Action Group, said: "I don't think disappointed covers it.

"We got hardly anything after 2009. In Barepot we got a bund and a wall that leaked. Hall Park View hasn't had anything.

"The flooding situation isn't going to get any better. Homes are people's biggest investment. They need to be protected."

Rod Donington-Smith, treasurer of Keswick Flood Action Group, added: "It's farcical. There's going to be work required in Keswick.

"Reports have been prepared with some suggestions for the management of the flood catchment area for the River Derwent."

A part of its devolution talks, Cumbria Leadership Board had called for improvements in Cockermouth and Keswick.

As well as Braithwaite and Flimby, money is due to be spent in Kendal, Appleby, Eamont Bridge, Wigton, Pooley Bridge and Carlisle's Rickerby Park.

In total 1,745 properties are set to be better protected.

Alan Smith, leader of Allerdale council, said: "It's good that they've put the money in but there should be something for Cockermouth and Keswick.

"I'm pleased that Braithwaite and Flimby have been included. It shows that the Environment Agency have highlighted these places.

"It's important that the smaller places haven't been forgotten."

Workington MP Sue Hayman welcomed the funding for Flimby but pledged to challenge floods minister Rory Stewart about the lack of money for the towns.

She said: "I'm really pleased that Flimby has got support because I have been asking repeatedly for it not to be forgotten but I can't understand why once again the houses at Hall Park View and Barepot have been ignored when they have suffered time after time with flooding.

"Rory Stewart had indicated there would be more for Cockermouth."