While I welcome Network Rail’s decision to reduce the number of closures to Norton level crossing and the installation of a temporary footbridge, there is still one topic on which they have resoundedly failed to “listen to residents’ concerns”.

In November 2012, Church Street was closed for 12 days when the area flooded due to the lack of capacity in the Victorian sewers combined with heavy rainfall. Due to a magnificent response only a handful of properties actually flooded because of the 24-hour pumping.

During this Network Rail refused to halt York to Scarborough trains, which meant that twice an hour pumping had to be halted and the emergency services had to remove pumps from across the track to allow the trains to pass, allowing the flood waters to rise and put property at greater risk again. Eventually, common sense prevailed and the fire service was able to excavate and run pipes under the track to enable continued pumping.

After the emergency, officers from Ryedale District Council met with Network Rail who assured them that it would be possible to put pipes through hollow sleepers to avoid a repeat of the problems.

Two years on, Network Rail is carrying out track maintenance in Norton leading to track closures, but local residents have been shocked to find that this work does not include flood alleviation works. Network Rail states in the press that it cannot use hollow sleepers because they would not be big enough for the pump.

Has it really taken two years to reach this conclusion, or have they just forgotten their commitment? An alternative would be to sink a culvert under the track to house the pump work, but there is no sign of this. I have written to Network Rail twice, as has Norton-on-Derwent Town Council, I have also called the helpline and attempted to communicate with them on social media, but not one of these communications has received a response.

As a local district and town councillor I have requested an urgent meeting and again my request has met with silence. So I am now appealing via the pages of the Gazette – and I hope that Network Rail monitors media – for someone to do me the courtesy of responding to my repeated requests on behalf of the residents of Norton.

A phone call would suffice telling us what urgent action they intend to take or do we have to face another flood emergency before they stop ignoring us and take action?

Di Keal, Ryedale District and Norton town councillor