Repairs to Greatham Creek's 'poor' flood defences planned
Greatham Creek is home to various wildlife, including a seal colony and several species of bird. The Environment Agency's work, as part of their tidal flood risk management strategy, would include the breaching and re-alignment of Greenabella embankment and the reprofiling of the existing Greatham Creek embankment, including increasing the crest level.It would also see excavation works at Marsh House Farm to provide the clay material for the construction of new and repaired embankments.The EA report said the defences protected major chemical and petrochemical plants and infrastructure that were "important economically on a national scale".
Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash stressed the importance of the scheme and lobbied ministers over the issue in the House of Commons in March.He said while the defences had been maintained over the years, their age meant they could fail, putting "communities at severe risk".In a letter to Secretary of State for Environment Steve Reed, he said: "Without dedicated funding for the repair and future-proofing of the Greatham Creek flood defences, we risk undermining broader flood mitigation efforts in the area."The government said it was investing £2.65bn over two years to improve flood resilience. A decision is expected to be made on the proposals by Hartlepool Borough Council in November.
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