South Lakes MP Tim Farron has once again urged the government to speed up the repair of the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick.
It's a month since a landslip destroyed the route during Storm Desmond.
During a Commons debate yesterday, Mr. Farron was told the job was a "national priority" by Environment Secretary Liz Truss - although no timescale was given for it reopening.
The Lib Dem leader added £500m was needed to rebuild Cumbria rather than the £40m committed by the government; and criticised a decision to shelve a flood prevention scheme for the River Kent.
Liz Truss said: "The A591 is a national priority. Highways England is working on that to restore it as soon as possible. That is extremely important. The Transport Secretary is here today, so I am sure he has taken that on board. Similarly, we will be looking at the funding of other infrastructure. The wider solutions are a priority for the Government, and the Natural Capital Committee is looking specifically at that. We are now developing our plans for the environment on a river basin and catchment basis. That is the way we look at the environment. We are not looking at it in silos of flooding, biodiversity or farming; we are looking at it altogether, as a single plan."
Copeland MP Jamie Reed added: "Following on from the question asked by the leader of the Liberal Democrats, will the Secretary of State commit to ensuring that the Government make the reopening before Easter of the A591 a national priority? On the £500 million or £600 million that the county of Cumbria needs to repair the damage caused by flooding, will the right hon. Lady ensure that it is linked to the outstanding devolution settlement of Cumbrian local government?"
Liz Truss responded: "I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. As I have said, the A591 is a national priority. For the first time ever we have Highways England working on it to ensure that that happens as soon as possible."
Commenting after the debate, Mr. Farron added: "It is essential that the government continue to take seriously the problems which have been caused by the floods.
“The impact on residents and businesses has already been severe, and the government must act with urgency to provide relief. The A591 is essential both to local residents and to the tourist industry, and a solution must be found as soon as possible. The government should be clear about the timescale for this project so that local businesses are able to plan ahead effectively.
“The government must also overturn budget cuts which mean that important flood defence schemes such as the one for the River Kent are not implemented. In the long run, these schemes save far more money than the initial outlay they incur, and they must be given the funding they need."