LOCAL flood campaigners have welcomed the news that funding has been allocated to install pipework under the railway line in Norton but have insisted it should be carried out 'sooner rather than later'.

The Government has allocated £20,000 to North Yorkshire County Council as part of a six-year national flood defence programme to install the emergency piping under the track which runs through the town.

Di Keal, Norton town and district councillor and Parliamentary Candidate for Thirsk & Malton said although it was a step in the right direction, it was disappointing the work wasn't scheduled to take place until at least 2016.

"It is excellent news that the Environment Agency has committed to funding it's part in the under railway works needed to help prevent flooding in Norton as part of it's programme of works 2015 -2021," she added.

"It is however disappointing that this isn't scheduled to take place until at least 2016. The North Yorkshire County Council led Flood Group now needs to pull together the rest of the resources needed to make this happen and to up their game to ensure that the installation of pipework under the track in Norton happens much sooner.

Coun Keal said: "The group has already received design plans from Network Rail, so it now needs to concentrate on a funding package and securing contractors to carry out the work. It should then be able to ensure that the work is carried out as soon as possible once agreement has been reached with Network rail for line closures.

"This project is crucial to complete the flood alleviation package needed to give residents in Norton the peace of mind that they are protected from the devastation of future floods. Now that the Environment Agency has shown this commitment, I am calling on North Yorkshire County Council, Yorkshire Water and Ryedale District Council to step up to the mark too".

A spokesperson for the county council said the pipework was one of a series of measures to help deal with flooding issues in Malton and Norton.

"We are currently looking at five different locations as there are a number of diverse risks to consider," they added.

"One of the areas we are looking to address is make the emergency response more efficient and reduce the amount of local disruption by placing piping under the rail track."

The spokesperson added that they were required to prove to the Government that the project was cost efficient and there was a possibility that the project could get underway sooner than 2016.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “This money is good news for businesses and homes in Malton. We will work closely with the local council so they can access the railway safely, and carry out their work.”