ANGRY flood victims are launching a major petition in a Gazette & Herald backed campaign to demand desperately needed defences.

Homeowners face a wait of up to nine months to have damaged properties restored and some businesses will be closed all summer.

They are counting the cost of the failure of Government to fund the building of vital and viable flood defences designed at a cost of £700,000.

Malton and Norton were protected and properties saved by £9.5million defences, while up to 50 homes and business sank under water in Pickering.

Gordon Clitheroe, chairman of Pickering Flood Defence Group, said: "We just can not go on like this - the scheme must go ahead.

"These are the worst floods in living memory with more properties flooded over a wider area and the worst damage and disruption we've yet seen.

"It is absolutely essential that people in Pickering unite as never before to bring pressure on the Government to act - and act now.

"Signatures of support have to be gathered quickly and we need all the help we can lay our hands on to bring them in."

Shops, banks and businesses in the town are being asked to take forms and there is the option of placing signatures on the form on Page 4 in this week's Gazette.

Campaigners plan to take the protest to Whitehall and hand the petition to the new Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn.

Mr Clitheroe added: "He is on record as saying he will be asking for more money for flood defences - we have to make sure he gets it and Pickering is made a priority." Strong supporters of the campaign include Ryedale councillor Howard Keal, who was heavily involved in the successful battle to win defences for Malton, Norton and Old Malton.

"It is completely unacceptable that Pickering has been allowed to flood six times since 1999 and this is the worst of the lot.

"We have won cross-party backing from Ryedale councillors for the authority to put £1million towards flood protection for Pickering.

"That is despite that fact it is really the responsibility of the Government which pulled the plug on funding the Environment Agency's scheme for the town, " he said.

Agencies that could have helped to meet the costs - including Yorkshire Forward and the county council - have also so far failed to act.

"Victims of flooding must not be left with the prospect of more misery from yet another predicted and preventable flood, " said Coun Keal.

"Make your voice heard - sign the petition."