CLEAN-up efforts are continuing in Port Clarence a week on from last week’s tidal surge which flooded up to 250 homes.

Households have been visited on several occasions by Stockton Council, Tristar Homes and community agencies who have offered help to ensure residents can access the right advice and support.

The council and the housing association are helping residents to clean up and dispose of flood damaged items.

Councillor Bob Cook, council leader, said: “We appreciate how devastating these floods have been to people living in Port Clarence and that is why we want to ensure everyone who lives there is supported and has access to advice and help in getting their day-to-day life back to normal as soon as possible.

“With Christmas fast approaching the efforts of local, voluntary and community groups to support the community are invaluable so I would like to thank everyone who has rallied round to help, particularly Pat Chambers from the Billingham Legacy Foundation.

“It’s great to see that the Clarences Christmas party is still going ahead on Sunday and this just shows the strong community spirit that exists there.”

A range of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations including Billingham Legacy Foundation, The Red Cross, Know How North East, BCT Aspire and Billingham Community News are also continuing to provide support.

Information has been provided on hardship grants and the financial assistance offered by Tees Credit Union.

Any residents who need more advice or support can call Stockton Council on (01642) 391959 from 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Thursday, and from 8.30am to 5.30pm Friday. Out of these hours call 01642-524980.