Northumbrian Water is starting work today on an innovative £2.5 million project which will see rainwater being diverted away from Cullercoats and out to the North Sea.
The second stage of the multi-million pound scheme to reduce flood risk in North Tyneside will help to protect homes and businesses against flooding, during times of heavy rainfall, and complements work recently carried out to upgrade the sewer network in this area.
The water company’s contractors Esh Construction in partnership with MWH will install a new 565-metre surface water pipe.
Northumbrian Water’s project manager for the scheme, Graeme Ridley, said:
“Reducing flood risk for our customers is a top priority for us as we are well aware of the devastation it can cause. One way in which we can do this is by increasing the capacity within our sewer network by removing surface water."
The first phase of the flood alleviation project began in May last year where some 1,200 metres of the public sewer network was upgraded in north Cullercoats, and involved the construction of new and replacement pipes.
The water company also installed additional surface water pipes to increase the capacity of the network.
Northumbrian Water has been working with North Tyneside Council on this project as part of the North Tyneside Surface Water and Drainage Partnership, which brings together a range of organisations to help improve how the borough prepares for and deals with future flooding incidents.
Cllr John Harrison, cabinet member responsible for Housing and Transport, said:
“We are working in partnership with Northumbrian Water to ensure a coordinated approach and the best possible outcomes for local residents.
“The project will include the installation of additional road gullies, paid for by the council, to improve highway drainage and further reduce flood risk in the area. By working together, disruption and inconvenience will be kept to a minimum.”
The North Tyneside Surface Water and Drainage Partnership brings together North Tyneside Council and its technical business partner Capita with Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and the area’s emergency services to deliver a package of improvements and co-ordinate a borough Flood Risk Management Strategy.
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