WORK has started on a £600,000 scheme to stop flooding at Witton Gilbert.

The village suffered during a heavy downpour on June 28, 2012 when the beck that runs through its centre burst its banks, flooding several properties nearby.

Engineers will alter the profile of Dene Burn from behind the White Tun pub towards Brookside by widening the watercourse and building terraces, weirs and flow controls to manage the water during severe storms.

Along the back of Brookside the existing ditch will be altered and extended to intercept and transfer water flowing over nearby fields.

Durham County Council has paid £200,000 towards the six-month scheme and funding has also come from the Environment Agency.

Cllr Brian Stephens, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “Many people in the county have suffered the devastating consequences of flooding and we are determined to help stop this happening in the future.

“This vital work will help safeguard residents in Witton Gilbert against the risk of flooding for many years to come and it is really pleasing to see the scheme get underway.

“We have also been able to secure funding for various other flood prevention projects throughout the county despite the financial pressures we are faced with as a council.”