Replacement bridge to help reduce village flooding risk

North Cave has been flooded from North Cave Beck three times in the past decade. The 2007 floods saw water enter 28 properties and dozens of others affected.

Two phases of work have already been completed, with the third, replacing Froscoles Bridge, due to be completed by Christmas. The bridge's four arches don't allow enough water to flow underneath when the Beck floods, causing it to back up and overflow.

Work on the bridge was delayed by four months after the British Horse Society complained that it wasn't wide enough to take a horse and trap – although the lane it leads onto is blocked by bollards.

The new structure will be made out of steel supporting a timber crossing and will be 2.5 metres wide – half a metre wider than originally intended.

Parish council chairman Steve Skipsey said: "Recently the Environment Agency have been very good and we have worked well together. They've listened to all our problems about the Beck and responded positively."

The final phase will see the mill race at Upper Mill House widened.

Residents can find out more at a drop-in session held by the Environment Agency at North Cave Village Hall next Wednesday from 3pm to 7pm. Project manager Keith Crawford said: "We worked with more than 100 residents to agree a design for the bridge and look forward to completing this part of the scheme. We are really pleased with the work so far and are confident it will protect the village for years to come."