Skinningrove: £1.7m to alleviate flooding in the village
Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, hailed the £1.7 million investment for the Skinningrove Flood Alleviation Scheme.
The funding, secured on April 1, will deliver a “permanent solution to safeguard homes and businesses from flooding”.
The plan is to replace the floodgates at Stone Row Bridge, which often close unpredictably during heavy rain, causing major disruption.
Mr Myer said: “This funding is a huge step forward in protecting homes and businesses in Skinningrove.
“The current floodgates cause major disruption for residents when they are closed, often at short notice.
“This investment will provide a permanent solution, ensuring better flood resilience while keeping the village connected.”
The scheme also includes the construction of a new bridge between New Company Row and Zetland Row, positioned above the flood wall height to boost long-term flooding resistance.
This project is led by the Environment Agency in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Council, following months of dialogue with residents and stakeholders.
Mr Myer said: “I have worked closely with local residents, the Environment Agency, and Redcar and Cleveland Council to push for this funding, and I will continue to support the community throughout the design and construction process.”
Floods minister Emma Hardy added: “The role of government is to protect its citizens.
“However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record.
“Through our Plan for Change, this government will deliver a decade of national renewal and economic growth.
“As part of that, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and repair over 1,000 flood defences across the country.”
According to the project timeline, detailed design work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with construction slated to begin in spring 2026.
The project is expected to be completed by March 2027.
The Environment Agency is also committed to examining the possibility of a pedestrian bridge at the current location of Stone Row Bridge, based on feedback from residents.
This comes as North East England benefits from new government funding for 49 flood schemes.
The Environment Agency announced these will safeguard homes and businesses, boost the local economy, and create construction and infrastructure jobs.
Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management for the Environment Agency, said: “Protecting communities in North East England from the devastating impact of flooding is our priority.
“The delivery of the schemes in the North East will be welcome news for homeowners and businesses, who have experienced flooding in the past and may face more extreme weather as our climate continues to change.
“Our focus is now on working with local councils and regional flood and coastal committees to deliver these schemes on time, ensuring as many properties as possible are protected.”
Floods minister Emma Hardy added: “I know from firsthand experience the devastating impacts that flooding can cause.
“Through our Plan for Change, we are supporting 49 schemes in the North East, ensuring residents have the long-term protection they need, while boosting local growth and creating new jobs.”
