Northumbrian Water is starting work on the second phase of a £6 million scheme to reduce flood risk in North Tyneside.

The work will reduce the amount of surface water that enters Northumbrian Water’s sewer network in times of heavy rainfall; the water will instead be stored in the natural environment.

Northumbrian Water, North Tyneside Council and the Environment Agency began the joint surface water management scheme in Killingworth and Longbenton last July.

Phase one of the project, which was completed in December 2016, involved constructing a new surface water pipe to divert Longbenton Letch watercourse out of the sewer network and transfer the watercourse into Forest Hall Letch. Phase two of the scheme now needs to be completed, before the diversion can be implemented.

Phase two will start this month and is due to be completed by the end of October 2017. The work will see the construction of three surface water storage areas near to Killingworth Moor with flow control devices installed to help manage future flows along Longbenton Letch and Forest Hall Letch.

The surface water storage areas are designed to hold back excess water from the watercourse during periods of heavy rainfall and create the space in Forest Hall Letch to allow flows from Longbenton Letch to join the watercourse.

Northumbrian Water’s partner, ESH-MWH will carry out the work.

Colin Macdonald, Senior Manager, Technical and Regulatory Services, North Tyneside Council, said:

“Reducing the risk of flooding to homes and businesses is one of the council’s top priorities. This project will make a real difference to communities at risk of flooding and is a great example of what can be achieved by working closely with our partners at Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency.”

Lynn Preston, Northumbrian Water’s project manager said the partnership scheme demonstrated the water company’s commitment to reduce the risk of flooding in a cost effective and sustainable way. A community portal will be regularly updated for customers to keep track of the project.

Richard Robinson, Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management Adviser, added:

“Working with the other organisations has allowed a collaborative project which manages the risk of flooding from multiple sources and improves the local environment.”

“We’ve already made excellent progress on the scheme and phase two will begin imminently. We fully understand the devastating impact flooding has on communities and this is a great example of how organisations can work together to develop sustainable solutions to reduce flood risk and protect communities.”