FLOOD defences have been lifted into place to protect the community in Port Clarence thanks to a local business.

Wilton Engineering has fabricated the defences which will act as a removable section of flood defence along the front of its site. The first section is already in place.

The project is part of the Environment Agency’s £3 million flood alleviation scheme designed to lessen the flood risk to about 350 homes and 32 businesses.

Work on the scheme that has already been completed includes raising a 35-metre section of the road on the approach to the Transporter Bridge, which was previously a flooding issue, by around half a metre. Flood embankments to the east and west of the Wilton site have also been constructed.

Project manager Chris Milburn said: “Work on the Port Clarence Flood Alleviation Scheme is progressing well with some key works, such as road raising and flood embankments, complete.

“We’re now working on the next part of the scheme, with Wilton Engineering fabricating the defences as the start of construction of the demountable defence begins.

“This aspect is unusual in that it will be a section of removable defence along the River Tees which will protect Wilton and the local community, but also means Wilton Engineering is still able to operate from the river.”

The most recent impact of flooding in Port Clarence was seen in December 2013, when a tidal surge combined with high spring tides affected about 50 homes and businesses.