Skinningrove is a small coastal village in Redcar & Cleveland in the North East. We work with the local council to manage and reduce the risk of flooding, and with the local community to ensure they are prepared.
Why is Skinningrove at risk of flooding?
The Skinningrove Beck runs through the village, which lies in the bottom of a steep valley. When it rains this water runs rapidly off the hills and into the river system. This is known as a rapid response catchment where flooding can happen very quickly.
Skinningrove was badly affected twice in 2000 when more than 100 homes and community buildings were flooded. Since then the community have also had a number of other close calls.
What are we and others doing to reduce the risk of flooding?
We are working closely with the local community so they are as prepared as possible for flooding. The village has a number of voluntary 'river wardens' who are our eyes and ears on the ground. They keep an eye on the river and tell us if there are any problems, such as debris blockages.
After the floods in June and November 2000, when debris such as trees got stuck on the bridge in the village, the local council built flood defences along the beck. At the time they also installed flood gates on the bridge, which the Environment Agency now maintain and have improved. These gates can be closed when flooding is likely.
As flooding can happen quickly in the area, if we are unable to get there in time to close the gates, some of the community 'river wardens' are trained in closing them to protect their community.
As well as issuing flood alerts and warnings to residents, we have also installed sirens in the village that can be used to warn the community.
Regular maintenance of the river also reduces the risk of flooding in this area by reducing the likelihood of blockages during a flood.
Next steps
We will continue to maintain the beck and our defences, and work with the local community so they are prepared and resilient to flooding.
Who to contact for more information
If you would like more information about this work please email us.
