7:33am Saturday 18th July 2009
TORRENTIAL rain caused misery across the region yesterday with forecasters warning of more on the way.
Many rivers and streams were at bursting point last night after the downpour continued throughout the day and into the evening.
Homes were flooded, cars skidded off roads and several major public events were cancelled.
In County Durham, police called an emergency meeting with members of the Environment Agency, fire service and county council to draw up an action plan.
A woman in Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, was treated for shock after the bus she was travelling on became stuck in 3ft of floodwater.
Fire crews went to help the five passengers and driver on the Arriva 88 service from Bishop Auckland to Barnard Castle.
River water caused thousands of pounds of damage to the home of a pensioner recovering from a heart attack, in Butterknowle, near Bishop Auckland.
It was the third time in nine years that water had poured into 70-year-old Margaret Hunt’s house after the River Gaunless burst its banks.
Son-in-law Pete Horrocks, who along with his wife and their six-week-old son, is living with Mrs Hunt while she recuperates, said: “The fire service came and offered to pump it out, but there was nowhere to pump it to – it’s gutting.”
Mr Horrocks said all carpets, furniture, electrical appliances, doors and plaster board on the ground floor would have to be replaced.
Further upstream, Ray Bond, a resident of Copley Bent, lost 20ft of garden wall after it collapsed into the river.
Homes in Crook’s Beechburn Park, two in Howden-le- Wear, two in Butterknowle, in Teesdale, and two at Ramshaw, near Evenwood, were also evacuated.
Householders used brushes and sandbags to keep rising water out of their homes in Brasside and West Rainton, both near Durham.
Officials were last night concerned that the banks of the River Wear at Chester-le- Street and Durham could break, causing further damage to homes and businesses.
Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston, of Durham Police’s operational support unit, said those living by the River Gaunless and River Wear must remain on high alert.
He said: “People must be aware the rivers are expected to continue to rise. Those living in flood-risk areas must keep an eye on the situation and take precautions.”
Durham Police announced road closures, including Stanhope Ford, The Batts, in Bishop Auckland and the Howdenle- Wear to High Grange road.
Slip roads off the A690, near Durham, were submerged.
They were among numerous roads across the region closed due to the weather, including the A66 across the Pennines from Scotch Corner, while many more were only passable with extreme care.
The worst-affected areas on Teesside were Brotton, Skelton and Eston High Street.
Cleveland Fire Brigade said it had received 250 calls.
Homes and roads in Scotton, near Catterick Garrison, as well as Whitby, Great Ayton, Ripon, York and Thirsk suffered minor flooding problems, while firecrews were called to pump out Great Broughton Post Office, on the North York Moors.
The Met Office was yesterday predicting further rain for the region overnight. However, the downpours were expected to ease this morning.
The Environment Agency Floodline can be contacted on 0845-988-1188.
● Proms In The Park last night at Auckland Castle. Those who paid cash can get a refund from Bishop Auckland Town Hall or write to Sally Dixon, Cultural Development Manager, Durham County Council, Civic Centre, North Terrace, Crook, Durham, DL15 9ES.
● Middlesbrough’s music, dance and sport event Mela due to be held today and tomorrow in Albert Park.
● Friday Night Fever and Fireworks last night at The National Trust’s Gibside, near Burnopfield.
● The South Tyneside Council Proms In The Park has changed its venue today to The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields, at 7pm.
● Youth football festival due to be held at Crook Town FC’s Millfield Ground, in County Durham, today and tomorrow.
● The Commonwealth featherweight boxing match between Paul Truscott and John Simpson, which was due to be held last night at Eston Sports Academy.
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