It's a new year, but the key issues don't change (From Gazette & Herald)

It's a new year, but the key issues don't change

DEVASTATING flash floods that tore through some of North Yorkshire's most beautiful scenery will stick in Ryedale MP John Greenway's memory.

But 2005 won't just be remembered for the disaster that hit Helmsley, Hawnby, Rievaulx and the North York Moors at Snilesworth, but also for the tireless efforts to put things right.

Mr Greenway said: "The national park and our local authorities deserve a huge thank-you for their sterling efforts in helping residents whose homes were flooded, clearing tons of debris and rebuilding roads, bridges and footpaths.

"I also want to thank the local Rotary clubs for their generosity in raising over £40,000 for farmers to replace the many miles of destroyed fencing."

The floods raised important questions about Ryedale's emergency services, the Conservative MP added. He said: "It is regrettable that the Government now plans for all North Yorkshire's emergency services to be controlled from outside the county. I believe it is vital that people throughout Ryedale, including the more remote communities, enjoy the best possible local services and I shall continue to fight for this."

But he praised the response of those involved in the flood relief effort. He said: "As Ryedale residents know from their own floods experience, at such times we depend entirely on our emergency services.

"As so often in the past, they responded magnificently and together with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance helped ensure that there was no loss of life."

And the floods represented a timely reminder of the need for adequate defences.

"During the year ahead, I hope we can make progress on new flood defences for Pickering to give local residents the same peace of mind which Norton and Old Malton residents now enjoy," said Mr Greenway.

Another top priority is the A64 and Mr Greenway is confident that progress can be made.

He said: "I am hopeful that we will see some progress on the upgrading of the A64 following a constructive meeting with the Roads Minister in November. Improving the junctions at each end of the Malton bypass is a priority for the regeneration of the area, and getting rid of the bottleneck at Hopgrove would help tourists and local residents alike."

And Mr Greenway was hopeful for one more thing: "a prosperous New Year" for everyone.

Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, January 04, 2006