Chancellor says new flood defences should protect town for 50 years

THE CHANCELLOR has visited a North Yorkshire market town to learn more about the town’s new £3.7m Flood Alleviation Scheme.

Rishi Sunak, the MP for Richmond, was shown around areas of Stokesley that will benefit from the scheme by representatives from the Environment Agency.

It will improve protection to 509 properties, providing an estimated £46m of economic benefits over the next 50 years.

The scheme involves putting in a new flow control structure into the existing diversion channel, which carries water from the River Leven around the town, before discharging it back into the River Ellerbeck. The water eventually returns to the River Leven, downstream of Stokesley.

The town has not suffered flooding since its introduction in 1978, but an upgrade is needed.

Mr Sunak said: “Stokesley’s 1970s-built flood defences have served the town well over the years but this scheme will improve their effectiveness to maintain the level of protection they give residents. These improvements should provide protection for another 50 years. The project will also have the additional benefit of helping to manage the flow of the River Leven through Stokesley creating a better habitat for wildlife.”

Jamie Fletcher, the agency’s a rea operations manager for the North East, added: “The defence will be a vital asset for the local people, businesses and the environment around Stokesley.”

A new river restoration project is also being planned in partnership with the Tees Rivers Trust. Pieces of timber put in the river will create meanders which should encourage more wildlife. The work will begin in the autumn and should be complete by the spring.