FAMILIES whose North-East homes were devastated by flooding are getting a chance to have their say on how to prevent another disaster.

The Environment Agency is staging a series of exhibitions to give members of the public an opportunity to air their views on the flood alleviation proposals along Lustrum Beck in Stockton.

The agency has spent the past year examining ways of improving flood defences along the beck, and has identified a number of options.

It now wants people's opinion on what is the best solution to reduce flood risk along the 18km stretch of the beck, 7km of which runs through urban areas.

Flood warnings have been repeatedly issued for the beck in recent years and it flooded three times in 2000.

The existing flood defences were built in the 1960s and included in the options to update them are:

* Raised flood defences which would involve the construction of walls or flood banks along the beck

* Flood storage, enabling designated areas of land to flood instead of homes

* Channel modifications which would improve the flow

* Pumping stations which could be used to improve the rate at which water passes through the system.

Helen Grayson, project manager for the Environment Agency, 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. The agency wants to keep everyone informed about this important work and hear people's views."

The exhibitions are being held at Elmwood Community Centre, 53 Darlington Road, Stockton, on Tuesday, 3pm to 7pm, Primrose Hill Community Centre, Stockton, on Wednesday, 3pm to 7pm, Parkfield Community Centre, Bickerstaff Walk in Stockton on Thursday, from 2pm until 5pm and Newton Community Centre in Wrensfield Road, Stockton, the same day, from 6pm to 8pm.