RYEDALE managed to escape the worst of the flooding last week – despite levels of the River Derwent rising close to those of 2000 when 170 properties were affected.

With flood defence schemes now in place covering Norton, Malton, Old Malton, Pickering and Sinnington, additional protection was provided by about 500 sandbags issued by Ryedale District Council.

Flood warnings for the River Derwent, the River Rye and the River Wiske were lifted by the Environment Agency on Monday, although the pumping system in Norton continued to operate.

Beckie Bennett, Streetscene manager for Ryedale District Council, said: “Our staff have worked hard to ensure that properties throughout the district have been protected. We have issued about 500 sandbags but it seems like all flood defences have held and flood schemes for villages which we have implemented have really helped.”

River levels are expected to continue to fall over the next couple of days.