The Environment Agency, working in partnership with Middlesbrough Council, has reached a major milestone in a £4.8 million Teesside flood scheme.

Image shows the new debris screen at Marton West Beck under construction

Construction started on the joint Environment Agency and Middlesbrough Council Marton West Beck Flood Alleviation Scheme in Middlesbrough last year.

A major step has been taken as a new debris screen has been positioned in place.

It will reduce the risk of flooding from the beck, sea and surface water to nearly 500 homes in central Middlesbrough.

During flooding the new scheme will hold flood water back in Marton West Beck and Albert Park, slowing the flow and reducing the impact downstream. The extended debris screen in the park will collect debris and rubbish that can cause flooding and plays a key role in reducing flood risk.

As well as the new screen, which extends the already existing screen on the beck, the scheme includes new stone-clad flood walls, a new drainage system, the instalment of protective fencing, and several flood storage bunds.

Leila Huntington, the Environment Agency’s Flood Manager in the North East, said:

“This project protects nearly 500 homes and businesses in the centre of Middlesbrough and will provide an economic boost for the town, as well as bringing benefits for wildlife in the wider area.

“Schemes such as this are essential as we see climate change bringing with it more extreme weather conditions and an increased flood risk.”

The scheme is one of many across the North East that better protect properties and businesses as part of a £132million six year investment programme to create or improve flood and coastal defences in the region.

A further £5.2 billion government investment package will deliver 2,000 schemes across the country, better protecting 336,000 properties between 2021 and 2027.

The contractor working on the project is BMMJV, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald.