Flood-risk residents asked for their views

NORTH Yorkshire residents whose homes are at greatest risk of flooding are to be consulted over proposals for new defences that could cost more than £10m.

Homeowners in Northallerton, Romanby and Brompton are being asked for their views on the latest proposals for the Northallerton Flood Alleviation Scheme.

The Environment Agency says it has yet to finalise which defences will be needed, but a similar scheme recently installed in Ripon cost 14m.

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Project manager Richard Hartley said: "We haven't reached a decision on the final option yet, but a number of possible solutions are emerging.

"We want to use this local feedback to help shape the final scheme."

The area has been blighted by the problem in the last decade.

In 2000 and 2002, many properties in the town were damaged by the flooding, while last December major disruption occurred when Brompton Beck burst its banks.

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It is estimated there are currently more than 200 properties in the Northallerton area at risk of floods.

The area is particularly susceptible to floods because the streams and culverts running through Northallerton are unable to cope with water levels during heavy rainfall.

Surface water also significantly affects flooding in the town.

Options under consideration include the use of flood storage upstream of the town, increasing the capacity of an open culvert in Bullamoor Park and increasing the flood plain area at Willow Beck in Romanby.

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A consultation meeting will take place at Northallerton Town Hall on Thursday next week, February 25, from 3pm to 7pm.

The Environment Agency says proposals for a preferred solution should be drawn up by the summer.