Multi-million pound flood defence scheme finished by Christmas- but not everyone is happy

It will end up costing Northumberland County Council and the Environment Agency around £25 million pounds. That's five million more than the original estimate.

But those involved in the Morpeth Flood Alleviation Scheme say it will be worth every penny.

The project is likely to be completed by December, later than originally planned. This week the public are being invited to take a closer look at the work that is going on.

Central to it is a huge dam being built on the outskirts of the town. This has five concrete culverts that automatically close when levels on the River Wansbeck rise. It has the capacity to create a reservoir that can hold the equivalent of more than 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

David Clark from the Environment Agency explains how this will work.

As well as the work on the dam, teams of workmen are also building flood walls close to at-risk properties. Some run through the back gardens of peoples' houses.

The walls are specially designed and filled with re-enforced concrete.

But not everyone is happy. People living in Wansbeck Street are angry they have been left out of the project despite having properties that back onto the River.

The Environment Agency says the cost of putting in flood walls for the seven properties on the street would cost £1 million and is too expensive. Instead they will be given 'property-level' protection such as metal shutters.

David E Clark has campaigned for the Environment Agency and Council to think again. Today he unfurled a banner to highlight his cause.

Watch Kenny Toal's full report here