DRAINAGE WORK: I WROTE to Northumbrian Water in July last year, after another risk of flooding and asked if they would consider increasing the drainage pipe capacity in Baff Street, Spennymoor.

I am pleased to inform residents that work will soon start at the lower end of Baff Street.

Having been contacted over a period of 12 years about this problem, I would like to thank Northumbrian Water for this large-scale investment, which I hope will eliminate the drainage problems at Baff Street and surrounding areas.

I requested that all of the emergency services, such as Northumbrian Water, the fire brigade and Sedgefield Borough Council environmental health, should set up an Emergency Flood Risk Team.

In view of the subject of climate change, I believe this is a sensible request, which I am still awaiting a response to. - Councillor Ben Ord, Liberal Democrat, Spennymoor Ward, Sedgefield Borough Council.