FEARS have sprung up about the level of insurance cover for flood-hit people in Skinningrove.

Redcar and Cleveland council leader, Coun David Walsh, is worried that some people might have a low level of cover. He has also attacked the way some insurance companies are treating the residents.

"It frightens me," said Coun Walsh, who has been visiting homes in the village devastated by flash floods earlier this month.

"Some people have a low level of cover, not because they are skinflint, but simply because they are poor," he said.

"I feel there is an issue of social exclusion in the way insurance companies are treating communities such as Skinningrove and this is something we have to take up with organisations like the Association of British Insurers."

The first residents forced to move out of the flood-hit homes can expect to be back next month, the council has revealed.

Work on seven homes has already started and a total of 42 repair surveys have been completed out of the 101 properties affected, with the first residents set to return within three weeks.

A total of 20 families has been moved to alternative accommodation, though six have decided to stay and arrangements have been put in place to ensure they are self-sufficient.

Coun Dave McLuckie, lead councillor for community safety, told a meeting of the council: "The biggest achievement of all for us will be the moment the first families come home."

Councillors praised the emergency services' response to the flash flood on July 2 and the council's efforts in rebuilding the community, including the provision of 1,200 hot meals and "thousands" of cups of tea and coffee.

Coun Sylvia Szintai, lead councillor for environment and infrastructure, said: "The authority, from chief officers to the workmen, did an absolutely marvellous job in extremely bad conditions.

"This was an emergency which came without warning."