Chester-le-Street traders’ concerns over flooding works

Major work is underway to reduce the risk of water damage to properties in Chester-le-Street as part of £3m scheme by Northumbrian Water.

Traffic on Front Street has been restricted from the New Year, but the road is set closed to be completely for two months from today (Monday).

Traders who rely on a steady footfall are concerned about the effect it will have on their custom.

Helen Charlton, owner of Cestria Florists, said: “A lot of our customers are already struggling to get up the street and this is going to make it worse.

“We are already struggling massively as a business. When the road is closed the older people will physically not be able to get up Front Street or back down.

“We are missing out as a result.”

Traders acknowledge the work is necessary to tackle ongoing flooding problems in the town that reoccur during heavy downpours.

Kevin Taylor, owner of Premier Fruit and Veg, said: “I do have concerns about the impact but there is no other way around it as the drains in the street are really ancient. It should have been done before now and there is not a lot else they can do.”

John Hubble, 68, who lives on Cone Terrace, had to replace his kitchen and living room floor after the water got in following torrential rain on so-called Thunder Thursday in June 2012.

He said: “The work is essential. The drains around here are not made for the number of houses that have been built.

“We are always a bit worried when there is heavy rain.”

The work is part of a wider scheme costing £7.9m to help the town and reduce the risk of flooding to 22 properties.

Northumbrian Water has said it hopes to have Front Street reopened by mid-May with the work completed in June.

Spokesman Cara Charlton said: “Because of the nature of this work disruption is inevitable and we apologise for any inconvenience and understand people’s frustrations. It is essential work and is going to reduce the risk of flooding.”