Cumberland Council has published the Section 19 Flood Investigation Report into the flooding that affected Wigton and surrounding areas on 12 and 13 November 2025.
The report, produced by the council in its role as Lead Local Flood Authority, provides a detailed account of the causes and impacts of the event, which saw approximately 80 properties affected across North and West Cumbria, including Wigton.
The investigation highlights how intense rainfall overnight led to rivers and watercourses rising rapidly, with limited warning in some areas. More than 60mm of rainfall was recorded locally during the event, over half the average monthly rainfall for November.
The report examines the impact across different parts of Wigton, including Station Road, Burnfoot, Tenters and the Burnside area, and identifies how a combination of high river levels, constrained channels and surface water contributed to flooding in the town.
Importantly, the report sets out recommendations and next steps to help reduce future flood risk, including ongoing work with partners, further investigation of drainage systems, and encouraging the use of property flood resilience measures.
Cumberland Council is continuing to work closely with the Environment Agency and other partners to better understand the event and support communities in becoming more resilient to flooding in the future.
Councillor Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Development local member for Wigton, said:
“I welcome the publication of the Wigton Section 19 Flood Investigation Report, which provides a clear account of the events that affected our community last November.
“I would like to thank residents for their patience and resilience, and I encourage everyone to fully consider the findings and recommendations of the report. Together, we can take positive steps to reduce future flood risk and the subsequent impacts for residents.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to read the report, on the council’s website, and consider the practical steps outlined to help protect properties and improve resilience to future flooding events.
