THE findings of a six-month inquiry into flooding problems in Hartlepool will be presented at a public meeting later this week.

Borough councillors have held a series of forums on the issue and will present their findings on Thursday in the town's Civic Centre, at 7pm.

The most recent flooding occurred during August's freak storm, which has been described by lifeboat crews in the town as the worst in living memory.

However, the council's environmental stewardship and Regeneration Scrutiny Forum has been told that people in many areas of Hartlepool, including West View, Rift House, Stranton Cemetery and the railway bridge in Station Lane, Seaton Carew, have suffered for years.

The scrutiny forum was briefed to examine a range of aspects including: how agencies, including Northumbria Water and the council, work together; the extent to which a coherent plan to tackle flooding exists; and how it can be improved and ways to prevent future flooding.

Councillor Sandra Fenwick, forum chairman, said: "Flooding has caused misery to many people over the years and the scrutiny investigation has done its very best to try to find long-lasting solutions.

"I hope as many people as possible will come to Thursday's public meeting to hear our findings and our recommendations to tackle the appalling problem of flooding."

Copies of the forum's findings will be available at the meeting. Anyone who cannot attend is advised to call Joan Wilkins on (01429) 523193.