More than 3,000 homes and businesses were damaged in 2005

Three people died in January 2005 when 175mm of rain fall on the city in just 36 hours, causing �250m of damage.

The Environment Agency's Eden and Petteril scheme, covering Warwick Road and Botcherby, is due to finish ahead of schedule in Spring 2008.

Once complete, the area will be protected from the same level of flooding experienced three years ago.

The second part of the agency's works, the Caldew and Carlisle City Centre scheme, is currently going through a detailed design process.

Construction is due to start on site in Spring 2008 and the scheme is planned to be completed in 2010.