RESIDENTS are being invited to a drop-in session to find out about the next phase of a flood defence scheme to protect their homes.

On Wednesday (August 5), between 2pm and 7pm, members of the public can attend the Newtown Resource Centre on Durham Road to hear details about the plans for the Lustrum Beck area of Stockton, which will include the replacement of Londonderry Bridge.

Stockton Borough Council and the Environment Agency are preparing to start working on the next elements of the flood defence scheme in October.

This latest flood defence work will provide further protection to the 162 properties in the Lustrum Beck area worst affected by the Autumn 2012 floods.

In order to replace Londonderry Bridge it will need to close for approximately six months and diversion routes will be clearly signed throughout, while the council is working with bus operators to ensure services from the Newtown and Primrose Hill area into Stockton town centre are maintained.

Councillor Mike Smith, the council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “Properties in this area have been affected by flooding for more than ten years and that’s why the council worked tirelessly with the Environment Agency to secure the funding needed to build the flood defences.

“Whilst we understand that the removal and replacement of Londonderry Bridge will inconvenience residents and commuters who use Durham Road to get into the town centre, the six months of disruption are more than outweighed by the fact that flooding in the area will be significantly reduced."

Environment Agency project manager, Ted Thomas, said: “I’d encourage people to attend the drop-in event to find out more about the scheme and ensure their questions are answered.”

The flood defence works are due to start in October and are expected to take approximately six months to complete.