WORK to prevent flooding in Sinnington heads a list of action points in a new village plan.

The village has suffered from flooding in recent years, with many homes being badly hit.

Now, as a result of an extensive questionnaire, two-thirds of residents say further steps should be taken to reduce the threat of flooding.

Several residents want the river banks in Sinnington to be cleared or the river bed dug out, but opponents say it would damage the natural environment.

Others have suggested dredging the river or building flood banks, but the Environment Agency has ruled those out on cost grounds, and because it believes they will be ineffective.

Flood banks have been rejected by residents because they fear they would spoil the village. However, other ideas include creating a flood plain and water-holding ponds and putting flood doors on homes.

Roger Hudson, chairman of the parish council, said: “It was an excellent response, with 62 per cent of residents putting forward their ideas in the questionnair.

“Some have already been achieved such as providing a new village noticeboard, which has been kindly made by a resident out of solid oak.

“We have also had a commemorative seat given.

“There is a great willingness in the village with people prepared to give their time and skills.”

Among other issues highlighted for action in the village plan are the poor visibility at the junction of the main street and the A170 and difficult road crossings for horse riders.

Residents have also looked at the village hall, the former 19th century local school, as to whether it should be extended because of its popularity.

Improvements to the bus shelter were on the list, along with the possibility of building a children’s play area on the village green and providing a public toilet.

A village shop would benefit Sinnington, said residents, along with a tearoom for visitors and the building of a footbridge at the village ford, near the footpath to Cropton.

The survey also showed that people want more homes to be built for locals only, together with affordable homes for rent or part-purchase. Concerns about holiday homes in the village were also raised.