Study planned after Great North Run hit by floods

A flooding study will be carried out following extreme rainfall that hit runners and spectators who were travelling home after last year’s Great North Run.

The study of the Tyne Dock area of South Shields will look at exactly how the drainage system in the area works and examine the impact of flooding on people, including local businesses.

The deluge following the annual half marathon saw traffic and public transport severely disrupted.

One event official said it “highlighted a real need” to find a way to mitigate the area’s flood risk in future.

The study will be carried out by Labour-controlled South Tyneside Council and funded by a £60,000 grant from the Environment Agency.

Councillor Ernest Gibson said there had been “long-standing issues” with flooding at Tyne Dock.

He said: “Despite work carried out as part of transport improvements, further measures to help reduce the risk of flooding remain complex due to drainage assets being the responsibility of several different parties and the need for significant investment."

Tens of thousands of people were hit by the flash floods on 10 September.

The downpour led to sewage systems and manholes being overwhelmed, leading to flood water running down the streets.

The Metro train line also had to be suspended and some runners had to walk home.

The flooding also closed South Shields bus and Metro interchange after lifts and escalators broke down.

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