Transport minister Robert Goodwill has visited Teesside to find out how areas hit by last winter’s tidal surge have been recovering.

As the ministerial representative for flood recovery for the north-east, he visited the Riverside Terminal in Billingham to see how it had been affected. The minister also saw first hand how flooding had impacted the nearby community of Port Clarence.

Robert Goodwill said:

Flooding on Teesside had a severe impact on many local people and businesses. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to thank all those who have helped the recovery and to discuss how flood resilience and response can be improved in the future.

I was impressed by the local community spirit and the determination to recover as quickly as possible. I am pleased the government has been able to provide £9 million funding for a flood defence scheme at Port Clarence and Greatham.

The minister attended a meeting of local responders at the Cleveland Emergency Planning Unit, to hear their experiences and discuss lessons learned ahead of next winter. Following the visit, Robert Goodwill will be reporting back to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet Committee on Flooding.