RESIDENTS of a pretty Ryedale village, worried about the cost they face of connecting to a new multi-thousand pound sewage scheme, are having to wait for local authority approval of the scheme.

Great Barugh is one of several villages which is due to get a sewage treatment scheme provided by Yorkshire Water.

Peter Milner, chairman of the parish council which covers the area, said: "We are very concerned about the connection charges. We are questioning the economics of the project."

Coun Milner said only the main part of the village, from The Golden Lion pub and down the hill, was likely to benefit from the system - about 20 properties. At present, all have either septic tanks or new properties have their own treatment plants.

Despite several requests, Yorkshire Water has given no indication of the likely cost, he added.

The parish councillors are also worried that Yorkshire Water plans to use an existing drain for scheme.

"We question how suitable it will be because of its size and age."

Houses on the fringes of Great Barugh are not likely to be connected to the system, said Coun Milner.

Clare Deacon, Yorkshire Water's communications administrator, said: "The scheme is still with the planning officers at North Yorkshire County Council."

She said Yorkshire Water could not press ahead with the scheme until a decision was given by County Hall.

However, a customer forum is to be held in Great Barugh when details of the scheme will be outlined, she said.

Ms Deacon added that surveys were being carried out on the existing village drain to ascertain its capacity.

Other villages in line for a sewage treatment plant are Marton, Scrayingham, Kirby Misperton and Firby together with the cliff top village of Ravenscar north of Scarborough.

Updated: 07:52 Wednesday, August 07, 2002