CALLS have been made for increased measures to prevent future flooding problems across East Cleveland following recent downpours.

Dave Walsh, leader of Redcar and East Cleveland Borough Council, said a debate was needed.

New defences at Skinningrove, scene of flooding misery in the past, held during its first major test last Thursday night and Friday morning.

However, families across the district spent the weekend clearing up after the torrential rain with homes flooded at Guisborough, Eston, Grangetown and Normanby.

Even the fire brigade did not escape. Grangetown Fire Station was flooded but the water did not impede emergency responses and Cleveland Fire Brigade answered more than 100 flooding-related calls.

Flood warnings were in place across the county and drivers faced long delays as roads became rivers in a matter of minutes.

There were particular problems at Bolckow Road in Grangetown, which was under 3ft of water, and on the A19 southbound near Acklam, the A171 Whitby to Guisborough road and Marske Road in Saltburn. The Whitby to Middlesbrough railway line was also flooded.