A PROJECT to protect homes from flooding on a large meander of the River Wear will be launched next week.

The £100,000 scheme, designed by the Environment Agency in consultation with the Riverside Residents' Association and Chester-le-Street District Council, is based at The Parks residential estate, in the south-east of Chester-le-Street.

Flooding in 2000 and hydraulic studies had shown that some of the properties at The Parks were at risk. Subtle changes in river level and flood plain storage had also increased the risk of flooding.

The Environment Agency built a 230-metre floodbank and 50 metres of floodwall - which used 5,000 tonnes of clay - along the southern and eastern boundaries of the estate, protecting eight properties.

The land next to the defence and floodbank has been landscaped, and children from Selby Cottage Childcare Centre last year helped sow seeds and plant bulbs to brighten the area.

David Huntington, project manager at the Environment Agency, said: "The scheme has been very well received by local residents.

"The wildlife area, which was previously scrub land, creates another location for the public to enjoy, with the knowledge that their homes have a better level of protection from flooding."

District council operations manager Julie Lewcock said: "We are delighted with this project, as it shows how partnership working can be effective when residents are involved in making a real difference to their local environment.

"Not only will this be a safeguard for local homes, but it will also benefit the community, as well as wildlife in the area."

The children will be back at the launch on Tuesday to take part in a painting competition.

The opening will be attended by Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee chairman Frank Major, Councillors James Cordon and Trevor Carroll and Julie Lewcock, operations manger for Chester-le-Street District Council.

The project includes the creation of a wildlife area with a pond and shallow scrapes in the ground, to encourage flora and fauna. Picnic tables, constructed from recycled plastic, have been added to the meadow area.

The scheme, carried out by local construction firm Lumsden and Carroll, was funded by the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee's local levy programme and the district council. It has been short-listed for Durham County Council environment awards.