THE Environment Agency announced plans last night to boost spending on flood defence schemes for the region.

The agency said that more than £6m was due to be spent in the next financial year on a number of projects. It has also agreed an 18 per cent increase in the levy collected from local authority council taxes for such projects.

Planned works include a £4m protection scheme for the River Gaunless, and river bank defences at West Auckland and South Church, all County Durham.

A total of £445,000 has already been set aside to upgrade existing flood defences at Yarm and £285,000 for work to improve defences at Lustrum Beck, Stockton. Funding for flood defences is met by the Northumbria Regional Flood Defence Committee, which covers the North-East.

The Environment Agency has already identified £56m that needs to be spent over the next ten years in the region on capital works, maintenance schemes and flood warning services.

Severe flooding in autumn 2000 caused millions of pounds worth of damage in the worst-hit areas of County Durham and North Yorkshire, including Malton and Norton, Bishop Auckland and York.

It also left many householders counting the cost of increased insurance premiums as a result.

Jo Turnbull, chairman of the Regional Flood Defence Committee, which includes representatives from local councils and ministry appointees, said: "This is good news for those at risk from flooding.

"Further investment is needed to build new defences and maintain those already in place.

"These increased spending levels mean we can make real progress in our aim to protect businesses, people and their homes and safeguard the economy of the area."

County Councillor Sonny Douthwaite, who represents West Auckland, said: "We want to see new defences in place as soon as possible.

"People want the confidence that they won't be flooded out again."

Work in the River Gaunless area, which was delayed by foot-and-mouth restrictions, is now due to begin in May, with a completion date set for winter 2003.