Environment Agency reveals flood plans for east Redcar

Residents from east Redcar will have the opportunity to see how the Environment Agency plans to improve flood defences in The Stray area of the town.

They are invited to find out more at an Environment Agency open day on Tuesday, September 26. Staff will be answering people’s questions at Laburnum Road Library in east Redcar from 3pm to 7pm.

Earlier this year staff outlined the main flood defence plans for the town but this month’s event is for people in east Redcar to see how the scheme will benefit them.

Project manager Phil Welton said: “We held an open day in March to show the public the main proposals for the town but at the time our plans for The Stray had not been finalised.

“We have now had time to assess the options for The Stray and we are coming back to people to show how we want to tackle flooding in their area.”

The proposals for The Stray include repairing and replacing the timber groynes, reinforcing the slopes that stretch from the promenade to beach level, and filling gaps in the wall including a 150-metre stretch by the paddling pool.

Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the proposals and staff from Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, who have been working with the Environment Agency on the scheme, will also be at the open day.

Once feedback has been received and the plans have been finalised, the Environment Agency will seek approval for funding.

The scheme is due to be funded by the Environment Agency, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.

Redcar is at risk of flooding during storms and also from coastal erosion at a rate of 40 centimetres a year. The sea wall has been damaged by storms and the slopes are starting to break up in places.