Level of flood water marked in Morpeth

Jun 15 2009 By Dave Black, The Journal

A THIN blue line snaked its way through Morpeth as part of a campaign to improve its ageing flood defences.

Blue insulating tape was used to create the line along buildings, bridges and trees in the Northumberland market town by campaigners working to make sure it gets the best possible protection against future deluges.

The tape signified the levels which floodwaters reached in September last year, when the River Wansbeck burst its banks following torrential rain and flooded 1,000 homes and businesses.

It was the worst flooding in the town’s history and the Environment Agency is now consulting local people and organisations on a £13m scheme to provide better protection in the future.

Yesterday’s Blue Line Project was organised by the Morpeth Flood Action Group, which was set up in the wake of September’s deluge to represent victims.

Blue tape was fixed to flood-hit buildings such as the historic town centre Chantry, the local church, the leisure centre, library and the Red Bull pub, as well as trees along the riverbanks.