Valve problem solved - but residents still fear flooding (From Gazette & Herald)

Valve problem solved - but residents still fear flooding

FLOOD defence engineers had to be called in after fears of new problems following heavy rain during the New Year holiday at Malton.

John Ward, of Mill Cottages, Sheepfoot Hill, whose home has twice been the victim of flooding, said water levels had reached the King Mill Flats as the level of the River Derwent rose.

He said: "Interserve appeared huriedly on the scene, installed pumps and sand bags were strategically placed."

The water level rose again on New Year's Day, said Mr Ward, and moved up King Mill Yard "at an alarming rate". Interserve again brought in pumps.

"The most worrying aspect was the fact that the Derwent was lower than when this area originally flooded," said Mr Ward. "What concerned us was the amount of water and the speed it came."

He added: "The defence scheme isn't 100pc complete in our area - there is still some finishing off to be done."

David Summers, the property manager for Ryedale council, said the pumping station at Mill Beck - which forms the council's portion of the defences - had been working since December 30.

The Environment Agency had issued a warning subsequently, then withdrew it.

Mr Summers said there had been a problem with the penstock valve, which closes the river off from the beck, but the problem was now resolved.

The Environment Agency said additional pumping had been needed at Sheepfoot Hill because of several springs becoming active.

The new flood defences at both Malton and Norton have passed tests, says the agency.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, January 08, 2003