IT was a case of supermarket sweep when Environment Agency officers made a dash to fish 16 shopping trolleys out of a Middlesbrough beck.

The team went to Middle Beck to clear out obstructions in the river which were deemed a flood risk to the area.

The Northern Echo: CONCERNS: Environment Agency staff with the abandoned trolleys in Middle Beck

CONCERNS: Environment Agency staff with the abandoned trolleys in Middle Beck

During the day they cleared 16 shopping trollies as well as pushchairs, scooters and a carpet when they attended last week.

The items were pulled from the river in a 200 yard stretch between Homerton Road and the debris screen. The team removed the items to ensure the beck was flowing freely.

Andy Foster, of the Environment Agency, said: “All this debris creates a blockage which is ultimately deemed a flood risk and can affect local residents.

“Every day we’re out and about ensuring anything which is a potential flood risk is removed and the watercourses are running freely.

“I’d urge people to ensure shopping trollies stay where they belong – at the supermarket – and to discard of their rubbish responsibly. They are ultimately putting their community at risk of flooding."