WORK has been suspended on a £2m flood defence scheme for Pickering.

The work was due to have been completed in about six weeks, but will now be delayed until Spring.

Contractors said recent heavy rain has hampered progress.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “We have made every effort to complete the work before the winter.

“Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, and unforeseen delays with the supply of material to the site, our contractors have had to suspend works.

“We understand residents’ concerns and want to reassure them that the work carried out to date is already reducing flood risk in and around the town. We are fully committed to completing it as soon as conditions allow.”

Progress had been made on the flood defence scheme in Newbridge, which includes constructing bunds to hold back rainwater from the moors.

Pickering Town Council clerk Andrew Husband said councillors had been briefed on the situation.

The flood scheme will work in combination with land management measures, funded by Defra, including tree planting, wood debris dams, timber bunds, heather bales to block moorland run-off channels, and no-burn zones on the moors.