Those whose properties are at risk of flooding in the North East will be protected by a scheme providing tens of millions of pounds worth of work.
Residents in the region will witness £28m worth of work in the next 12 months.
The spending plans are the result of successful schemes totalling around £32m that have provided better protection to over 1,700 homes.
The Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (NRFCC) has announced its spending proposals for 2015-16, which include works at Lustrum Beck and Port Clarence in Stockton-on-Tees, Hartlepool, and Skinningrove in Redcar & Cleveland.
The NRFCC revealed that it managed 108 projects conducted by its member authorities costing £31.8m in the last year.
These schemes have provided defences at Morpeth and work to reduce flood risks at Warkworth, Corbridge and Stanhope, as well as a coastal scheme at Littlehaven, South Shields.
When all of the work is finished, the risk of flooding will be reduced for 1,743 properties, while also helping the water environment.
The 2015-16 schemes form part of a £108m six-year programme of works.
Chairman of the NRFCC, Jon Hargreaves, says: “I’m delighted that upon completion of our £31m programme of works from 2014-15, we will see a reduction in flood and coastal erosion risk to 1,743 houses in the region, as well as creating 25 hectares of new wildlife habitat.
“I’m also pleased that for the first time we have been able to lay out our plans for the next six years for the region, giving many communities some certainty as to when flood risk will be reduced.
“The Committee is a great example of true partnership working, with all local councils, the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water pulling together on behalf of residents and businesses in the North East.”1
The Agency and local authorities deliver most of the projects, with some conducted in partnership with Northumbrian Water.
Flood and Coastal Risk Manager at the Agency, Phil Welton, states: “The Committee has an essential role in developing and delivering flood risk management programmes which reflect local priorities.
“The work we’ve carried out over the past year has brought significant benefits to communities, property, businesses and the environment, and the launch of the business plan sets out how we plan to protect more people in the year to come.”1
Councillor Tracy Dixon, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council and NRFCC elected member, explains: “The funding we have secured via the committee in recent years has enabled us to undertake three coastal defence schemes, including the multi award-winning Littlehaven Promenade and seawall, as well as delivering property level protection schemes to homes and businesses across the borough.
“We are currently delivering an innovative scheme at the Fellgate estate, Jarrow, in partnership with Northumbrian Water, to reduce the flood risk to over 200 homes on this estate, by removing surface water from the network and storing it in detention basins being constructed around and within the estate.”1
Head of Technical Services at Durham County Council, John Reed, says: “This report highlights the work which has already taken place to reduce the risk of flooding in our area.
“It also offers reassurance to communities that we continue to work together with our partners to reduce the risk of flooding and try to prevent the devastating impact this can have on people’s lives and businesses.”1
Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council and member of NRFCC, Dave Ledger, comments: “This county has experienced first-hand the damage flooding can do and this report highlights the excellent work taking place to reduce the risks in our area.”1
1 http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/north-east-flood-risk-areas-9623648