ISSUES over a dead cow that was left floating in the River Derwent in Norton for more than a week still need to be resolved, according to the town’s mayor.

The cow, which was clearly seen near County Bridge for several days at the end of last week, has floated downstream over the weekend during the heavy rain.

Norton mayor Councillor Ray King said it was “unacceptable” that the animal had remained in the water for so long in full view of people.

“The animal may have disappeared from view, but the situation still needs resolving,” he said. “Someone needs to step up to the mark. It is unacceptable that people have had to endure this.”

Coun King said the level of local interest generated on the Gazette & Herald’s website and Facebook page highlighted the level of local concern.

“I have been in touch with Kevin Hollinrake MP for Ryedale and his secretary has responded that ‘they are looking into it’ and will come back to me in the fullness of time,” he said.

“I think this a very serious issue – with nobody taking any interest in resolving – so I was forced to take it to this level.”

Officers from Malton Fire Station removed the animal’s identification tag earlier last week to identify the owner.

Agencies including Ryedale District Council, DEFRA and the Environment Agency have also been contacted, but all have confirmed it is the responsibility of the owner of the cow to remove it from the river.

Phil Long, corporate director of Ryedale District Council, said: “Ryedale District Council is not responsible for dealing with dead animals in rivers and streams in Ryedale.”