Flood-hit communities in County Durham will benefit from improved defences following the announcement of more than £4 million of investment.

It means residents and businesses in the Bishop Auckland, Stanhope, Staindrop, Greta Bridge and Seaham areas will see improved flood or coastal defences installed to protect their homes and properties.

The investment includes funding of more than £3 million, announced last week by the Environment Agency.

Cllr Bob Young, Cabinet member for strategic environment at Durham County Council, said: "In recent years we experienced a number of incidents of extreme rainfall which has resulted in flooding in areas across the county.

"We know the devastating impact this has on people’s lives and businesses – not only emotionally and financially but also in terms of the inconvenience and disruption they suffer.


"This announcement of funding from the Environment Agency means that this important work can press ahead to reduce the risk of flooding, giving people who have been affected in the past peace of mind that they will be better protected in the future."

Work will begin on six schemes over the next three years. They are:

• Spring Gardens Flood Alleviation Scheme, Bishop Auckland.

Total project cost – £705,000.

• Staindrop Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Total project cost – £574,000.

• Stanhope Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Total project cost – £330,000.

• Tindale Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme, Bishop Auckland.

Total project cost – £400,000.

• Greta Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Total project cost – £70,000.

• Seaham Harbour Coastal Protection Scheme.

Total project cost – £2,313,000.

The Environment Agency funding was announced last week (Feb 7) as part of a £294 million investment in flood and coastal protection across the country.

A total of 93 new flood and coastal protection schemes nationally will benefit.

Construction of the Stanhope and Tindale Beck schemes is expected to start in 2013/14. The other schemes will be developed and designed for construction in 2014/15 and 2015/16.

Durham County Council is continuing to work with the Environment Agency to secure funding for further schemes across the county.

(GK)