Tyneside flood prevention scheme nears end

A £350,000 project to reduce the risk of flooding to homes in a Tyneside village is nearing completion.

More than 70 properties in Blackhall Mill, near Gateshead, have suffered during high levels of rainfall when the River Derwent bursts its banks.

The Environment Agency has been involved in a project to build a culvert to divert water away from properties at times of risk.

Work also includes the installation of a mesh screen to divert river debris.

Project manager Steve Wilkinson said: "When levels in the River Derwent are high, the water cannot flow away and ponds up around Derwent Street and River View.

"In 2008, the fire service spent many hours pumping water out to avoid further flooding, so we have designed a scheme which will reduce the likelihood of this happening again."