New flood defences to be tested in Cleveland

New flood defences are being tested at Skinningrove in Cleveland. The village has been hit several times by flooding, the worst being in 2000.

Demonstrations of the new defences - including flood warning sirens, flood gates and parapets - will take place at the Riverside Building on Wednesday 17 February.

The event is to help communities be better prepared for flooding. During the event there will be a review of current plans and procedures.

The demonstrations will include a live test of the Skinningrove Flood Warning Siren at around 1.30pm.

The flood defences in the village have been upgraded in a project completed in September 2015, meaning the bridge parapets at Zetland Row now lower automatically at the push of a button, rather than having to be lowered manually.

It reduces the time needed to ensure the flood gates are closed and parapets are lowered when river levels are high.

The event is subject to weather conditions and any ongoing incidents involving the organisations involved.

• Skinningrove suffered flooding from the Kilton Beck on two occasions in 2000, and then again due to surface water in 2013.