Flood risk warning for 3,000 properties

The Environment Agency has warned that up to 3,140 properties in notorious flooding blackspots across the North York Moors and in locations including Malton, Norton and Pickering could be placed in jeopardy if adequate defences are not installed.

A blueprint for action has been drawn up and sent out to local authorities as part of a wide-ranging consultation to draw up effective flood alleviation plans.

The Environment Agency's Yorkshire and North East regional director, David Dangerfield, said: "We cannot reduce flood risk on our own. We will work closely with all our partners to improve the co-ordination of flood risk and agree the most effective way to manage it in the future.

"We have worked with others including local authorities, Yorkshire Water and Natural England, to develop this management plan."

The Derwent Catchment Flood Management Plan has warned that up to 1,000 properties in Malton and Norton face risk in a one per cent annual probability river flood, while between 200 and 500 properties may be affected at Helmsley, Pocklington and Pickering.

The report has identified that between 100 and 200 properties in Thornton-le-Dale, Kirkbymoorside, West Ayton and Wilberfoss are at risk of flooding.

In addition, gas and electricity assets, educational and health facilities, waste water treatment works and emergency services buildings are also at risk, according to the research.

Mr Dangerfield said a wide broadscale model had been developed to determine the risk of flooding from both main and non-main rivers, if defences are not in place.