Flooding and cancellations after deluge (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Flooding and cancellations after deluge

8:00am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in News By Stuart Minting

DOZENS of residents have suffered flood damage to their homes and several major public events across the North-East have been cancelled following torrential downpours.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue responded to more than 25 flooding calls at 14 locations between Bedale, Boroughbridge and Harrogate from 6.30pm to 10.45pm on Thursday as nearly half the average rainfall for June fell over 15 hours.

A fire service spokesman said a number of roads had been flooded, while numerous properties had been deluged, including that of an 85- year-old diabetic woman near Bedale, who had lost her electricity supply as a result.

He said: “We have not been at full stretch, but we have been very busy.

“Residents should ensure their drains and guttering are clear. Unless water is several inches deep and entering properties, there is little we can do.”

The Met Office said 24mm of rain fell between 6pm on Thursday and 9am yesterday at Dishforth, near Thirsk, and Leeming, near Bedale.

Dishforth had already seen 118mm of rain this month and 94mm had fallen at Leeming, while Durham City has had 88mm of rain and Loftus, in east Cleveland, 61mm.

A spokeswoman said: “Over the weekend, most of the rain in the North-East will hold up on the Pennines and Dales, but overnight on Saturday there will be a few hours of heavy rain, with 10 to 15mm falling.

“On top of what we have had, it could lead to flooding and make driving conditions very difficult.”

The Environment Agency has issued a flood alert for the River Nidd and its tributaries near Kirk Hammerton, in North Yorkshire.

The CultureShock youth festival, in Harrogate, which was due to attract thousands of teenagers from the region this weekend, was one of many events cancelled due to the downpours.

A vintage fire engine and car rally, which was to be held today and tomorrow, in Preston Park, Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, and a charity duck race and picnic in the park tomorrow, have also been abandoned.

A spokeswoman for Stockton Borough Council said the duck race would be rescheduled.

Meanwhile, a free Jubilee Proms in the Park concert due to take place at County Hall, in Durham City, at 4pm tomorrow has been called off due to ground saturation.

Councillor Linda Marshall, chairwoman of Durham County Council, said: “The recent weather conditions and the forecast for Sunday mean it would have been a wash-out.”

In Darlington, the Big Bikeathon and the Local Motion Mega Festival, both due to take place in South Park tomorrow, have been cancelled.

The Big Bikeathon has been rescheduled for August 19, but a new date has not yet been set for the Local Motion Mega Festival.