PLANS to flood fields surrounding a Teesside stream have been slammed by residents.

The Environment Agency is consulting householders in the Hartburn area of Stockton on plans to tackle flooding in and around Lustrum Beck.

The 12 mile-long beck, part of which runs parallel with Harlsey Road, has burst its banks many times over the decades. Since existing flood defences were built in the 1960s, they have been breached most seriously in 1979, and three times during the floods of 2000.

Now, after a 12-month investigation, the Government agency is considering four options to curb the long-standing problem.

They have asked residents to chose one of the following:

* Raised flood defences, including constructing new walls or flood banks along the beck

* Flood storage, which means designated areas of land will be flooded

* Channel modification to improve the beck's flow

* A pumping station to improve the rate of water passing through the system.

But residents in the Harlsey Road area say flooding nearby fields would destroy one of the area's best amenities.

Resident Sheila Simms, who plans to form a protest group to block the proposals, said locals did not want to lose fields that were used for recreation and getting to work.

She said: "We are not saying they don't need something to stop the floods, but the area they are planning to flood is enormous. As somebody who uses these fields three time a day - and I'm one of many - I am rather horrified at the extent of the scheme.

"There is a lack of information about the plans. People are walking to work over the fields totally unaware of what is happening."

Helen Grayson, Environment Agency project manager, said resident's concerns would be answered in a series of consultation exhibitions planned for next week.

She said: "We are keen to answer people's questions and explain the work we have done so far and what we hope to do in the future. We want to keep everyone informed about this important work."

* The exhibitions are being held at Elwood Community Centre on Tuesday, between 3pm and 7pm, at Primrose Hill Community Centre on Wednesday, between 3pm and 7pm, at Parkfield Community Centre on Thursday, between 2pm and 5pm, and at Newton Community Centre on Thursday, between 6pm and 8pm.