10 August 2026
Work is now underway on a major £13 million flood defence scheme in Skinningrove, delivering a permanent solution to protect more than 100 homes and end years of disruption for residents.
The Environment Agency, working with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, has begun construction on the scheme which will replace Stone Row Bridge and remove the manually-operated flood gates which can cut off vehicle access to Zetland Row and Grove Hill during periods of heavy rainfall.
The start of construction follows two years of work by Luke Myer MP alongside local partners. After serious flooding in July 2024, Luke visited the village to speak with affected residents and convened the Environment Agency, council and local councillors to push for better flood resilience and support. He continued to push Government and discuss with partners, and in April 2025, Luke welcomed an initial £1.7 million investment from the Labour Government to take forward a permanent solution. The project has since developed into the £13 million scheme now entering construction.
A new bridge will be built between New Company Row and Zetland Row, with its deck above the height of the existing flood walls. This means the existing flood gates will no longer be needed, giving residents 24-hour vehicle access regardless of water levels in Skinningrove Beck. The higher bridge will also reduce the risk of debris becoming trapped and worsening flooding. The new bridge is expected to be completed in late 2027, before the existing Stone Row Bridge and flood gates are removed. The wider scheme is due for completion in 2028.
Andrew Turner, Flood Risk Operations Manager at the Environment Agency, said:
“Once complete, this scheme will deliver a genuine step-change in flood protection for the community of Skinningrove.
“The new bridge will eliminate the need for manual operation of the flood gates altogether, removing the disruption and uncertainty that comes with the current arrangements.
“This is a long-term solution that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Luke Myer MP said:
“When Skinningrove was hit by serious flooding two years ago, I went down to speak to residents and said I would bring the Environment Agency, council, and government together to see what we could do.
“I was proud to get the funding through from government last year to get this project moving, and it’s great to see construction now getting underway. I know not everyone will be onboard, but at the end of the day this will mean better protection for a hundred homes, while residents on Zetland Row and Grove Hill will no longer face being cut off whenever the floodgates have to close.
“I said two years ago that I would not let our East Cleveland villages be forgotten. This is a major investment in a small village, and I’m delighted we’re now seeing spades in the ground.”
Longer-term, Luke is committed to working upstream to slow down flows naturally. A partnership initiative has been established which includes the Environment Agency, North York Moors National Park Authority, local landowners and other stakeholders to explore options. The group is currently bidding into Northumbrian Water’s ‘Bluespaces’ Fund to support feasibility work.