A CONSULTATION on a proposed £6.2 million flood prevention scheme will begin this week.

Durham County Council is considering opening up a 90m stretch of the Cong Burn, which runs underneath Chester-le-Street’s Market Place, and is asking members of the public for their views on the proposals.

It is hoped that as well as reducing the risk of flooding in the town, the move, which would see the watercourse transformed into a public realm feature, could also provide an economic boost to the town.

The proposals also include extending the town’s existing flood wall.

People can give their views on the plans from today. A drop-in session, where people can find out more about the scheme, will also take place on Tuesday, February 6 at Cornerstone Community Centre, North Burns, from 2pm to 7pm.

The consultation will run until Sunday, February 11 and will also give residents and traders the opportunity to provide their feedback on alternative locations for the town’s market if the scheme goes ahead.

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council and ward member for Chester-le-Street West Central, said: “This is an important project for Chester-le-Street.

“Not only will it significantly improve the town’s flood defences, it will also give us the opportunity to create a much more attractive and appealing public area.

“We hope that this will, in turn, provide a catalyst for further regeneration in the town. I would, therefore, encourage people to have their say.”

Chester-le-Street has a history of flooding and was particularly badly affected by a severe storm in June 2012.

A number of schemes have since been carried out by the council, Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency in an effort to prevent flooding. However, further work is needed in order to reduce flood risk in the longer term.

The council has committed up to £1.5 million to the scheme and is applying to the Environment Agency and European Regional Development Fund for the remainder of the cash.

If funding is secured, it is hoped that work would begin in 2018 and would be complete by 2020.

For more information and to take part in consultation visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation.