CRITICISMS of a £2m plan to improve Yarm's flood defences have been brushed aside as councillors prepare to decide on the future of the scheme.

The improvements are aimed at avoiding emergencies, like rising tides which sparked fears the High Street would be flooded in June.

But the plans have been criticised by many people who believe they will spoil the appearance of some of the most attractive parts of the town.

The most dramatic drawback will be felling of many trees alongside the riverside.

Among the areas that will be affected is the riverbank near the town's railway viaduct, where the removal of mature trees will affect views of the landmark from the road bridge over the Tees. It is hoped that landscaping will redress the damage in the long-term.

The Environment Agency and Yarm Town Council insisted yesterday that the changes to the town's appearance are a price worth paying.

Town council chairman Gwen Porter said there were things that people did not like about the plan because they would not improve the appearance of the town, but those things were merely cosmetic and would not last forever.

She said: "Therefore, in the long term and for the greater good, the defences are essential."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "There are many negative consequences of the planned work and people have to appreciate and understand this before work commences.

"But there is no alternative to these aspects of the work, and in the broader picture the security of the town from floods comes first.

"We have tried to minimise any harm to the scenery of an attractive town, much of which is in a conservation area."

Raising of the flood walls has been planned by the Environment Agency since minor floods in the High Street three years ago highlighted the weaknesses of the then newly built defences.

The weakness in the present system was highlighted in June when the Tees rose rapidly to within two feet of the top of the flood walls, and emergency plans were put into action.

The town was reprieved when the heavy rain eased off.

Stockton borough councillors are due to consider the improvement plans on Friday.