New flood defences to protect vulnerable Teesside communities look set to go ahead.
The government has set out major plans of funding for flood defences – with £8.1m set to be given the green light for a scheme in Greatham South and Port Clarence.
Around 250 residents were evacuated from Port Clarence at the peak of the severe flooding in December last year.
The work, to begin in spring next year, will protect 351 homes and 32 commercial properties.
Meanwhile, more than 120 properties will be protected from non-tidal river flooding as a result of a new flood defence scheme at Lustrum Beck in Stockton - the construction of which is already under way.
Houses were left gutted by the sudden flooding when Lustrum Beck broke its banks and unleashed misery in September 2012.
In some areas, the level of the beck had risen more than 10ft and began to lap into houses.
The measures are part of a six-year £2.3bn flood defence programme announced as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.
In total, £46m is to be set aside for 116 North-east schemes getting the green light.
Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “Flood protection is vital and under our plans 116 projects across the region, including the new flood defence scheme in Greatham South and Port Clarence, will bring peace of mind to residents and businesses.”
The investment programme was published alongside a new long-term study from the Environment Agency which shows that the planned investment will reduce flood and coastal erosion risk in England.
But the Environment Agency warned that if high levels of climate change are seen it could add some £60m a year to the long-term costs of flood protection.
The Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management warned that current funding levels were not enough to cope with the impact of climate change.
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