Map shows the water level rises that could see parts of Walney and Barrow underwater

An interactive map – created by Climate Central – which consolidates peer-reviewed science in leading journals to produce sea level rise and coastal flood maps shows the majority of south Walney to be underwater following an increase in water levels.

On the map Roa Island and large portions of Rampside and Roosebeck could be underwater through two metres of water level rises.

A water level two metres above the high tide line could be reached through combinations of sea level rise, tides, and storm surge.

Councils have been implementing methods to reduce coastal erosion and flooding on Walney, as well as other parts of the county vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Walney South Labour councillor Frank Cassidy said: “Unusual weather events of recent years are causing coastal erosion problems all around Britain and Walney is not immune.

“The advancing sea is rapidly changing the landscape near the South End Caravan Park and there have been occasions when the tide has cut right across the island, causing a temporary split.

“There are flooding hotspots and they include Thorney Nook Lane, which connects Biggar Village with Biggar Bank.

THOUGHTS: South Walney councillor Frank Cassidy

“The lane has flooded since anyone can remember, but the situation has become far more acute in recent times.

“Cumbria County Council highways team has spent the past few weeks putting in a new drainage system and patching the carriageway. The works should be completed soon.

“Walney's coastline has taken a battering, there's no doubt about that. The coastal flooding situation is a concern for this generation, and it will be for years to come.”

Large sections of the Furness and Morecambe Bay coast are forecast to succumb to rising sea levels.

According to models, advancing sea levels could leave Walney exposed to flooding, covering all but two small sections of the island by 2050 if serious action is not taken on climate change.