ULVERSTON councillors stood united in pledging that the victims of flooding will be provided with a long-term solution.

At a meeting of the town council there was a single voice from councillors of opposing parties assuring their constituents the annual problem of flooding would be resolved.

A motion introduced by Councillor Andrew Butcher stated that the authority would call for a multi-agency approach in the creation of a flood action plan.

Cllr Butcher said: "I spoke to South Lakeland District Council alongside the mayor. The bottom line was that SLDC will support us, which I thought was very, very good news."

At the meeting there were dozens of residents present from south Ulverston – many who had been flooded before – who came to hear their representatives.

In a gesture of good will from the council the 15-minute period where the public may pose questions was unanimously brought forward in the agenda.

Cllr Butcher criticised the statistics-driven approach to flood prevention saying: "It isn't about looking after the multitude and neglecting the few."

Mayor Mark Wilson made assurances that the public's concerns will be at the forefront of any future consultation between the town and bodies such as SLDC, Cumbria Country Council and the Environment Agency.

Cllr Butcher concluded: "It's a good thing that we are united. It's not political, it's about serving the people."

As well as issues surrounding flooding, the council also approved several planning applications.

The addition of a craft beer shop and tasting room in Market Street was approved, as was the conversion of a domestic outbuilding in Sunderland Terrace into a commercial gin distillery.

The next meeting of Ulverston Town Council will take place on Monday October 17.