RESIDENTS are being encouraged to take small steps to help reduce flooding in Darlington.

A pilot project has been launched in the Park East ward to encourage residents to take small measures to help divert some of the rainfall during a heavy downpour, slowing it from entering the drains and reducing the risk of flooding to the area.

Due to high density housing, large amounts of hard surfaces and a lack of gardens and green space, areas within the ward often suffer from flooding during short, heavy downpours, as the drains are not able to cope.

As part of the scheme – named Project Downpour – ward Councillor Paul Harman is encouraging people take small steps, such as using a water butt to store water, to help reduce flooding.

Cllr Harman, who also represents Darlington on the Northumbria Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, said: “I’ve learned that nowadays most flood damage come from surface water – not rivers or the sea,” he said.

“Sudden heavy rainstorms are more frequent and our roofs, roads, driveways and car parks do not soak up rain like gardens, fields and woods.

“Drains and sewers cannot cope and people in Bedford Street have suffered repeated floods in recent years.

“So, we must find ways to catch the rain and slow down the flow. Project Downpour is our opportunity to be a national example of new ways to tackle an increasing problem.”

Through the project, which is being delivered by Groundwork North-East, residents will be able to get a water butt installed in their backyards or gardens to collect rainwater, which will be funded through the project.

A report produced at the end of the project will look at how effective the water butts are during a flash flood, as well as what larger scale improvements can be done to alleviate flooding in the area.

Groundwork’s Lisa Locke said: “We are encouraging as many residents as possible to take part in the project because even if they haven’t been affected by flooding they will be supporting their neighbourhood and helping other residents in the area who have.”

Those who take part in the project can also enter a free prize draw to give their backyard or garden a makeover by Groundwork.

Once transformed, their yard or garden will be used as an example of what other improvements residents can do to help protect their neighbourhood against flooding.

The project is being funded by the Environment Agency through Darlington Borough Council.