The Environment Agency has completed a £4.8million Middlesbrough flood scheme that better protects around 500 homes and businesses.
The new flood walls at Albert Park
The Marton West Beck flood scheme reduces the risk of flooding from the beck, sea and surface water in central Middlesbrough.
During heavy rainfall the project’s upstream storage areas on Newham Beck will hold water back, decreasing the amount and slowing the flow of water downstream.
The project also includes:
- an extended trash screen on Marton West Beck at Albert Park that will collect debris and rubbish that can cause flooding
- new stone-clad flood walls and a surface water storage area at the park.
- new concrete flood walls at Borough Road
- a new drainage system
Construction started on the project, which was led by the Environment Agency in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, in summer 2020 and was completed last month.
(L-R) EA Project Manager Stephen Frost and Coun. Barrie Cooper from Middlesbrough Council.
Project ‘brings benefits to the wider area’
Jamie Fletcher, Environment Agency Flood Risk Manager in the North East, said:
“This project protects around 500 homes and businesses in the centre of Middlesbrough and will bring benefits for wildlife in the wider area.
“Schemes such as this are essential for helping the North East adapt to climate change, which is bringing with it more extreme weather conditions and an increased flood risk.”
Councillor Barrie Cooper, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member for Environment, Finance & Governance, added:
I’m delighted to see this hugely important scheme completed, and I’m grateful to the Environment Agency for the fantastic work they’ve undertaken. For those affected by flooding, the impact can be catastrophic and life-changing, and such extreme weather events are becoming all too frequent.”
Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme
According to the Environment Agency, Middlesbrough and the wider economy will save an estimated £58 million long term due to reduced flood-related damage.
The Marton West Beck scheme is one of a number across the North East to better protect properties and businesses as part of a £132 million six year investment programme to create or improve flood and coastal defences in the region.
Last year’s government investment announcement of £5.2 billion to better protect 336,000 properties across England by 2027 includes a further £193 million investment in North East defences.
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