New Flood Initiative Sure To Hold Water

Nov. 12, 2009 - PRLog -- North East agencies have teamed up to create the country’s first regionally-targeted flood rescue and damage prevention system.

In response to the destructive flooding which has affected Durham City, Morpeth and Rothbury in the past two years, the North East Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (NEIEP) has funded a pioneering new strategy to combat the worst effects of seasonal flooding.

Almost £700,000 has been invested in the hi-tech scheme, which will provide an immediate response service to those affected and state of the art equipment such as High Volume Pumps and ‘flood sacs’ in order to hold back and divert rising waters.

If the scheme, which is being run by the region’s Fire and Rescue Services and 12 Local Authorities, helps protect just 500 properties from flooding, it is believed it could prevent up to £5million in damage.

Martin Ryan, regional director of the NEIEP, said: “The work the Fire and Rescue services and local authorities have done to implement this system is exceptional. It really demonstrates the pioneering spirit of the North East in developing new ways to tackle regional issues.

“The North East has been hugely affected by flooding in recent years, both in terms of damage to people’s homes and property and in public spending on restoration. It is vital for the wellbeing of residents and for the local economy that everything possible is done to prevent further problems arising from future floods.

“The NEIEP has brought local authorities together to drive many other similar initiatives that address important quality of life issues such as this. It is dedicated to continuing improvement in the area and enhancing the North East’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading regions in terms of social development.”

The NEIEP aims to help local agencies collaborate to drive improvements in the region. It is governed by elected Members through the Association of NE Councils (ANEC).

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Notes to editors:

•   The North East Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (NEIEP) is one of several Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships around the UK. It consists of the 16 North East councils and Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) supported by funding from Communities and Local Government to 2011.

•   Through RIEPs, councils and FRSs collaborate to drive efficiencies and performance improvement.

•   The RIEP is managed by the Improvement and Efficiency Steering Group made up of Chief Executives and other partners. Councils and FRSs worked together to produce the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Strategy in March 2007.

•   The Delivery Plan was approved by elected Members in October 2007. The RIEP was launched in March 2008.

•   Currently there are twelve themed Programmes, each overseen by a Chief Executive or Director sponsor. Each Programme includes a range of improvement and efficiency projects. Specific project information can be seen on our website, or by contacting the relevant Programme/Project staff. We also manage a number of other nationally funded programmes, including work on Climate Change and Efficiency & Innovation projects.

•   The RIEP programme office is based with ANEC at the Guildhall, Newcastle upon Tyne. Five Programme managers and various Project officers (often seconded from local authorities) oversee RIEP Programme and project management, with some officers working across several Programmes. Our Support Team provide project, finance, communications and administration support.

•   Our website www.northeastiep.gov.uk is updated regularly and our Strategy, Delivery Plan and Annual Report can be found on the home page.