A NEW flood defence warning system has gone live after the Environment Agency and Middlesbrough Football Club have teamed up to help protect residents from flooding.

The new flood warning service, run by the Environment Agency, will help protect more than 1,600 properties alongside the Middlesbrough becks by warning them before the onset of flooding.

The club is supporting the new service, which is the first of its kind in Middlesbrough, and benefits properties by Middle Beck, Ormesby Beck, Marton West Beck, Spencer Beck and Newham Beck.

Club caption Jonathon Woodgate said: “We are proud to support the Environment Agency in launching this vital service to help residents become flood aware.

“Flooding can strike at any time, if you live in an area at risk don’t take your eye of the ball, make sure your prepared.”

Chris Hood, flood risk officer at the EA, said: “We are working hard to protect the residents of Middlesbrough from the risk of flooding.

“One of our biggest challenges is ensuring communities are aware of their flood risk, and improving knowledge of what can be done to reduce its impact. The new service will allow people time to prepare before flooding occurs."

Residents can sign up to receive the warning through their landlines, mobile phones and emails by signing up online through our website www.gov.uk/flood or by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188.