Winter flooding: Nearly £250 million damage caused to roads and bridges, new survey reveals LGA media release 25 March 2016 Nearly £250 million in damage was caused to key infrastructure like roads, bridges, public rights of way, and drainage systems by this winter’s flooding, new research reveals. A snapshot analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, estimates local authorities have so far been landed with this huge bill after the devastation wreaked by storms Desmond and Eva. The LGA warns the final bill to councils could be much higher as local authorities are still assessing the full cost. Worst hit have been Cumbria, which sustained about £175 million in damage, Calderdale with £33 million, Northumberland with £24 million and Lancashire £5 million. Government funding has been important in enabling local authorities and their communities to recover from the winter’s flooding havoc. However, the LGA warns councils will need more financial help from the Government as the full cost of the damage emerges. New flood defence funding should also be devolved by government to local areas, with councils working with communities and businesses to ensure money is directed towards projects that best reflect local needs.  Click here to read more