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Invention could ease flooding misery
A TRAILBLAZING invention developed by a South Tyneside company could help tackle the misery of flooding for millions of people across Britain.
Currently being showcased at an industry exhibition in Amsterdam, the super-efficient and portable HD 80T pump has been created by Hedley Doe Developments Ltd, a subsidiary company of Hedley Engineering Services Ltd, of Havelock Street, South Shields.
Able to pump out 80 tonnes of water an hour, the pioneering pump could help tackle the kind of flooding which devastated Morpeth in Northumberland recently.
Developed with investment totalling 400,000 over the last five years, it is hoped the pump could prove a commercial winner with UK councils and environmental groups faced with the growing problem of flooding.
The invention, which can be powered by mechanical diggers, could also prove an environmental and cost-efficient boon to utilities and agencies faced with tackling huge pollution clean-up operations, on beaches and elsewhere.
Paul Dearnaley, managing director of Hedley Engineering, which employs 13 people, said: "We would be able to take on more staff, if the product takes off.
"If the pump had been available for the floods in Morpeth, it would have been ideal for clearing individual houses, because it is a relatively small unit, with a great capacity for clearing out water in a short period.
"The Aquatech exhibition in Amsterdam this week is the pump's first exposure to the market place, where it will be showcased for the water and waste industries."
The new pump has received development funding from both the Department of Trade and Industry and NStar.
Agricultural engineer Robert Doe, who first came up with the idea for the pump, is one of the people promoting his invention in Amsterdam this week.
Based in South Shields for about 20 years, Hedley Engineering are marine and industrial specialists, providing services for everything from Nissan car carriers to the National Grid.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
