New flood defences demonstrated to Skinningrove residents
The village has been hit with flooding on two occasions in 2000 and then again in 2013.
New flood defences will be shown off to the public this afternoon in Skinningrove as further heavy rainfall is expected.
Automatic flood gates have replaced manual parapets at Zetland Row, making it much quicker to protect the village from flooding.
It's been hit in recent years by flooding, twice in 2010 and again in 2013.
In recent storms, water levels at Kilton Beck have risen high, although the new flood gates haven't needed to be used.
Today, the new defences and the village's flood siren will be tested from 1:30pm at the Riverside Building.
Alex Haley, from the Environment Agency’s Flood Resilience team in the North East, said: “The event is aimed at increasing awareness in the village about the work the Environment Agency has done to protect the community, including the improved flood defences.
“It’s also to help residents understand how to prepare for a flood and the important role of volunteers, such as Flood Wardens, and how vital it is to have a Communtiy Action Plan so residents know how to respond.”
Councillor Helen McLuckie, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, added: “I would urge as many people in the local community as possible to come down and attend this event.
"Everyone has their part to play during flooding emergencies and good preparation can make all the difference in the aftermath of flooding.
“It is also a good opportunity to learn more about what the council, and its partner agencies, are doing to alleviate the risk of flooding in Skinningrove.”