Tories criticised over delayed defences in Storm Desmond flood zone

Lib Dems and Labour round on government over postponed scheme to protect Cumbrian town of Kendal

The government's spending on flood defences has come under criticism after it emerged that a prevention scheme for the Cumbrian town of Kendal, which was submerged by up to 5ft (1.5 metres) of water after the weekend's storm, was repeatedly postponed.

Related: Kendal Cares: how Cumbrian town helps people left homeless by Storm Desmond