Luke Myer MP welcomes vital investment to protect homes and businesses in Skinningrove.
1st April 2025
Luke Myer MP has welcomed the news that £1.7 million in funding has been secured for the Skinningrove Flood Alleviation Scheme, following multiple meetings, delivering a permanent solution to protect homes and businesses from flooding.
The scheme will replace the flood gates at Stone Row Bridge, which currently require frequent and unpredictable closures during periods of heavy rain. A new bridge will be built between New Company Row and Zetland Row, sitting above the height of the flood walls to improve long-term flood resilience. The scheme, led by the Environment Agency in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, follows months of engagement with local residents and stakeholders.
Luke Myer MP said:
“This funding is a huge step forward in protecting homes and businesses in Skinningrove. The current flood gates cause major disruption for residents when they are closed, often at short notice. This investment will provide a permanent solution, ensuring better flood resilience while keeping the village connected.
“I have worked closely with local residents, the Environment Agency, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to push for this funding, and I will continue to support the community throughout the design and construction process.”
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
“The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record.
“Through our Plan for Change, this government will deliver a decade of national renewal and economic growth. As part of that we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and repair over 1,000 flood defences across the country.”
The project timeline sets out that the detailed design work will be completed by the end of 2025, with construction starting in spring 2026 and completion expected by March 2027. The Environment Agency has also committed to exploring the feasibility of a pedestrian bridge at the location of the existing Stone Row Bridge, following feedback from local residents.
References
- Luke Myer is the MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland. He has been actively campaigning for better flood protection in Skinningrove following repeated incidents of severe flooding. (Example 1, example 2)
- The current flood gates at Stone Row Bridge require frequent closures during periods of high water, causing disruption for residents on Zetland Row and Grove Hill. The new scheme will remove the gates and bridge, closing the gap in the flood wall and constructing a new, higher bridge to improve flood resilience. https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/north-east/skinningrove-flood-alleviation-scheme/
- The £1.7 million funding is part of the Government’s wider £2.65 billion Plan for Change investment in flood defences across England, which will protect 66,500 properties over the next two years.
- The project is being delivered by the Environment Agency in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council.
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-build-over-1000-flood-schemes-across-the-country