Following the devastating impact of the October floods, the Environment Agency (EA) has been working closely with Blyth Town Council to improve flood preparedness across the community.

In October, the EA met with the Town Council to outline the responsibilities of key agencies involved in flood management:

• Environment Agency manages fluvial (river) flooding.
• Northumberland County Council oversees surface water flooding.
• Northumbria Water manages sewerage flooding.

The 8 October 2024 flooding was classified by the EA as a significant and rare event, with only a 1% chance of occurring in any given year. The extreme rainfall, coinciding with already high river levels, resulted in severe flooding across the area. The EA also confirmed that climate change was a contributing factor to the severity of the event.

Although Blyth Town Council does not have any direct responsibility for flood management, we have worked proactively with the EA to develop the Blyth Flood Resilience Plan. The EA has played a key role in shaping this plan, which will:
✅ Provide earlier flood warnings.
✅ Improve direct communication between the Town Council, the EA, and residents.
✅ Maintain records of vulnerable residents who may need support.

Throughout the winter months, the Town Council and EA collaborated to finalise this plan, which was officially adopted at the Community Development Committee meeting on 18 February 2025.

The EA has also been working closely with residential areas effected by flooding to set up Flood Warden Groups. 

This week, the EA met with the Flood Wardens for Chillingham Close, (photo attached) advising them on the flood response process and how the Town Council’s plan will help forewarn and support residents. The EA’s guidance and expertise continue to be instrumental in ensuring communities are better prepared for future flood risks.

The efforts of the Chillingham Close Flood Group are a fantastic example of community-led resilience, and it is hoped to see similar initiatives across Blyth.

For residents or business that would like to get involved in local flood resilience efforts, please get in touch if you would like your details passed on to the Environment Agency.

Email: info@blythtowncouncil.gov.uk