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Jon Knight from the Environment Agency and the mayor of Pickering Julie Hepworth with the flood

HOUSEHOLDERS in Sinnington breathed a sigh of relief this week with the completion of a scheme aimed at reducing future flooding problems.

It follows major incidents in recent years - the latest last June when much of the village, including more than a dozen homes, were under several feet of water from the River Seven.

The work, carried out by the Environment Agency, aims to speed the flow of water through the bridge in the village, which previously had a bottleneck effect on the river, said Matt Smith of the Environment Agency.

A large part of the operation included the removal of silt, where it had accumulated on the inside of the bends, upstream and downstream of the bridge, he said. "The material removed was spread over the grassed area just downstream of the bridge. All the areas disturbed have been landscaped and grass seeded."

The agency's biodiversity, fisheries and technical teams worked closely together to ensure the impact of the scheme on the local environment and the river was beneficial, said Mr Smith.

"As part of the work we redistributed a gravel shoal that had become exposed above the surface of the water. Besides speeding the flow of water downstream this will also hopefully increase the area of valuable trout spawning habitat in this part of the river.

"Lots of the local people were very interested in what we are doing and have said how pleased they are that steps are being taken to reduce the risk of flooding."

A section of hedge which had restricted the flow during the floods last June was also removed from immediately in front of the flood arch, which forms part of the bridge taking the A170 over the River Seven.

The agency is also working closely with the parish council on a community flood plan, that will help residents know what to do before, during and after a flood.

Meanwhile, Pickering residents are being offered free flood guidance packs by the Environment Agency and Pickering Town Council. The pack will be launched alongside Pickering Town Council's community flood plan, which includes a phone advice line manned by councillors and based at the town's Memorial Hall - that will swing into action during floods.

The town council has worked with the Environment Agency to produce the packs which includes the Environment Agency's newly-launched guides on what to do before, during and after a flood, DVDs on flood protection products, and how to find out if a property is at risk of flooding.

Di Keal, from Environment Agency, said: "The town council's new initiative to run an advice service during a flood will be very helpful both to the local community, who will know where to turn for help, to us at the Environment Agency, and also to the emergency services, as the advice service will hold a list of vulnerable people in flood risk areas who may need speedy assistance when the town floods."

Pickering town Coun Brian Baker said: "With major flood defences for Pickering unlikely in the near future, we're co-operating with the Environment Agency to produce information packs to help local residents minimise the effects of any future floods.

"The packs will be distributed shortly to those whose properties are at risk from flooding, and if flooding does occur the Memorial Hall will be staffed by at least two town councillors, available to offer as much help as possible.

"The town council knows how distressing it was for Pickering people whose homes and businesses suffered damage in the June flood, and believes the advice and information in the pack will help minimise the possibility of future flood damage."

Anyone who is at risk of flooding in the Pickering area and would like a pack can call Pickering Town Council, who are distributing the information, on 01751 476503.

More information is available on the Environment Agency's Floodline - 0845 988 1188. Further flood plans are to be produced with other communities at risk of flooding, including Thirsk and Pocklington.

12:46pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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