Flood plans could take a step forward

The area was devastated by flooding in 2007 and last year the project was put on ice when the costs soared.

Following the setback the Environment Agency went back to the drawing board and has developed a proposed scheme which would involve the building of bunds - or earth mounds - to hold water and stop it coming down from the North York Moors.

The project, estimated to cost up to £1.25m, has been drawn up by the agency through a multi-partnership group called Slow the Flow Board which is to meet on Friday to debate the long-awaited plan.

Town Mayor, Coun William Oxley, said last night: “We are very supportive of the project. After many years of false starts, there is now a viable and affordable option.

“We don’t want this project to fall over because it is vital for Pickering. It is an affordable option which must go ahead.”

But he said Pickering Town Council was keen to find out what on-going maintenance work would be needed to be done by the community and the costs but said it would work with the agency to find a local solution to the issue of grounds maintenance.

The proposed scheme, coupled with other prevention work, would likely mean a one-in-25 years protection for Pickering.