A VILLAGE which suffered widespread flooding during the summer’s downpours could get better flood defences, costing up to £500,000.

When heavy rain hit the region in June, Witton Gilbert, near Durham City, was left under several feet of water, with some homes and businesses damaged.

Now Durham County Council is bidding for Environment Agency cash to improve the village’s defences.

John Reed, the council’s head of technical services, said it had already investigated the highway drainage and surface water system in Witton Gilbert and undertaken a number of improvements.

Further work is planned for early in the new year, he added.

However, he continued: “The flooding issues at Witton Gilbert are complex, with the old mine workings being just one of the contributory facts, and a significant amount of work in conjunction with the Environment Agency is needed to address the problems in the long-term.

“We have submitted a bid to the Environment Agency’s Local Levy funding scheme with a view to starting work as soon as possible.”

If money was granted, a feasibility study would be carried out. A bid to the Agency’s Flood Defence Grant in Aid scheme could then follow.

No major work is expected to begin on the ground before 2014-15.

“While there are flooding issues across the county, the problem is more significant in some parts than others,” Mr Reed said.

Framwellgate Moor county councillor Mark Wilkes, whose division includes Witton Gilbert, had asked the council to treat the village as one of its highest priorities.

He said: “It’s clear to me that we were very lucky that no-one was seriously injured in the summer flooding and that the funding required for this scheme must be found as a matter of urgency.

“I am reassured that the county council is listening to concerns and will continue to push to ensure that action is taken as soon as is practicable.”

Coun Wilkes estimated the work could cost between £100,000 and £500,000.

Meanwhile, work to protect Beech Close, in Brasside, also near Durham, from flooding, is set to begin tomorrow (Tuesday, December 18).