HEAVY and continued downpours have caused flooding and road closures in parts of the region.

Durham County Council said frontline staff and customer services worked through Wednesday night, and continue to do so, to support residents and businesses.

Sandbags were delivered in Willington and Blackhall and crews were called out to help clear debris and fallen trees at Staindrop and Ferryhill.

Several roads were affected including Wades Lane Road, Littletown, near Haswell, which has been completely closed and will remain shut overnight.

A lane closure was also in place on the A167 near Chester-le-Street railway bridge whilst water levels in the adjacent river subside.

Mark Readman, highways service manager at Durham County Council, said: “We are continuing to receive a high number of calls for assistance, so staff have been diverted from their day to day duties to provide aid.

“We would like to remind drivers to take extra care and time for their journeys, even though the weather is clearing up slightly the conditions are potentially hazardous. There is still a lot of surface water standing on the roads, meaning heavy spray from vehicles will reduce visibility.”

The council is continuing to monitor the conditions and is carrying out a range of measures as part of its continued response to any flood damage.

To report an issue to Durham County Council call 03000-260000 or visit

doitonline.durham.gov.uk/MyServices