THE Environment Agency reveals today how much worse flooding in York may get in the years ahead as the impact of climate change begins to take effect.

By 2040, almost 1,300 more properties in the city could be at risk than is the case today, it warns.

In Bishopthorpe alone, the number of properties designated at risk of flooding may rise from just 10 today to 120. In Clifton and Rawcliffe, meanwhile, the number of at-risk properties could more than double, from 280 to 600.

The agency admits these figures are predictions only - but says they are based on DEFRA calculations and are in the mid-range of possible scenarios.

Such figures are deeply worrying for a city still struggling to recover from the Boxing Day floods.

But there is good news today as well.

The Environment Agency has also unveiled a raft of options to improve the city's flood defences and so protect thousands of properties. These improvements would be paid for with the £45 million of flood defence money made available for York.

The proposals have gone on display at an exhibition in Piccadilly.

They envisage work being carried out in ten areas around the city, ranging from the raising of flood barriers, the development of new flood walls and replacement of pumping stations to work on individual properties to make them more flood resilient.

All this would be over and above the £17 million being spent on improving the Foss barrier and pumping station.

Clearly, York faces real challenges ahead.

But at least, thanks to the warnings and the flood defence money which has been made available, we will have the chance to defend ourselves.

It is vital that the money is well-spent, however. So if you live in an area at risk of flooding, do visit the exhibition today and have your say.