New defences for town deluged by flash floods

A town hit deluged by flash floods in recent years is to get new defences costing £362,000.

The project, funded by the Environment Agency (EA), will protect homes in Loftus on Teesside which were badly affected by flooding in May during which residents had to be given sandbags.

Redcar and Cleveland Council said 22 properties had been earmarked for work.

Labour councillor Carl Quarterman said the new scheme was a "step in the right direction".

The council said recent heavy rainfall led to water rising in Loftus Beck causing flash floods.

Local resident Paul Jones-King said he was "really frustrated" after his home was flooded for the second time in three years in August 2023.

Quarterman said it was hoped flood doors and gates would be installed at the properties by December.

He said other measures would include sealing up brick and blockwork as well as providing "high-risk residents" with puddle pumps.

The council said an EA study of flooding in the region carried out with Northumbrian Water, was due to be completed in spring 2025.

The EA has also made improvements to its early flood-warning system at Loftus Beck, the local authority added.

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