A WOMAN whose property was flooded twice after a housing estate was built nearby has hailed a victory over the authorities.
Carole Hodgson, 52, said she and her neighbours were pleased with £250,000 works designed to prevent future flooding.
Mrs Hodgson said she and her husband, Michael, had lived at their home in Stanhope Gardens, Middlesbrough, for 20 years "without an inch" of water before new buildings were erected.
She said she and her neighbours were unaware they were living on a flood plain when St Luke's Hospital and a housing estate were built in 2008 and that the residents would have strongly objected to any building if they had received the relevant information.
When Ormesby Beck burst its banks in 2008 and again ten months later, in 2009, her 150ft garden and garage were flooded. In the last flood, five homes in Stanhope Gardens and three in Kentmere Road were flooded.
Mrs Hodgson, with the support of her neighbours, took the cause up with Middlesbrough Council, the Environment Agency and the Ombudsman.
Now the Environment Agency has begun work realigning a 300m section of Ormesby Beck and improving a flood relief channel.
Mrs Hodgson said: "We are happy that the Environment Agency is looking at this area, and so far, they are keeping to their plan.
"Of course, like everything, we don't know if it will always work, but we're pleased it's happening. We're still fighting the issue, however, because nobody admitted liability for building here in the first place.
We still want answers."
Mrs Hodgson said some residents have problems obtaining house insurance and premiums have increased.
The work is funded by the Environment Agency, which has contributed £150,000, and Middlesbrough Council and housing association Erimus Housing, which have each contributed £50,000.
Amanda McKevitt, Environment Agency project manager, said: "It's fantastic that we have been able to work with the council, Erimus Housing and the community to make this important project happen.
"It's going to take us four to five months to complete the work and we are urging local people to take care around the beck during this time."
The contractor, Lumsden and Carroll, has moved water voles elsewhere along the beck to protect them during the work.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here