A PUBLIC meeting is to be held to inform residents of plans to prevent further flooding in their area.

In August, the Carrville and Belmont areas of Durham were hit by flash-floods.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage was done to homes and businesses, and the start of the autumn term at Belmont Comprehensive School had to be delayed to allow repairs to be carried out.

One of the flood's most serious effects was that it caused sewage from underground pipes to wash into streets.

Speaking at a meeting of WaterVoice Northumbria, part of the water authority watchdog Ofwat, yesterday, Graham Neave, operations director for Northumbrian Water, apologised for the distress caused by the flood.

He said measures had been taken to prevent similar problems arising in the future.

He said: "In Carrville, we had properties flooding for the first time.

"We did a full investigation involving CCTV, and there were minor blockages, mainly with grout. We then did a hydraulic analysis.

"We have had a meeting with the county council, the city council, the police and the fire brigade, and we have sent letters to the Carrville area saying there will be a public meeting.

"We are expecting the county council to attend and explain what, if anything, it will be doing and when."

Northumbrian Water has identified 100 properties at risk of flooding twice within ten years, and is spending £2.5m this year to reduce this to about 60.

At the meeting, the company will outline plans for work at Carreville.

The meeting is expected to take place before April.