WORK has started on flood defences to protect hundreds of homes and businesses in the wake of a devastating tidal surge in 2013.

The Environment Agency (EA) has teamed up with local business Wilton Engineering to manufacture part of the defences designed to protect the community in Port Clarence, near Billingham.

The multi-million pound scheme is designed to lessen the flood risk to around 350 homes and 32 businesses.

Phil Welton, EA's flood and coastal risk manager, said: “The work at Port Clarence will improve on existing defences, and will be a mixture of embankments, flood walls and ground raising.

“There will also be a section of removable defence along the River Tees so that Wilton Engineering is still able to operate from the river.

“We’ve been working closely with Wilton throughout the development of the project and they’re playing a key role in protecting their local community.”

The most recent impact of flooding in Port Clarence was seen in December 2013, when a tidal surge combined with high spring tides, affected around 50 homes and businesses.

Funding for this first phase of the scheme at Port Clarence, which is costing £3 million, has come from government Flood Defence Grant Aid and Wilton Engineering’s participation and co-operation.

Wilton Engineering’s Chief Executive, Bill Scott said: “Having been through the recent flood which impacted on our business we’ve learned first hand the importance of protecting our assets, our people and the community, so this project is close to our hearts and we are therefore determined to ensure its success.”

The second phase of the project will focus on reducing the risk of flooding to Greatham South from Greatham Creek and is likely to begin next year.