MEMBERS of the Tadcaster Flood Group have taken ownership of two huge pumps to help cope with future flooding.

The pumps, which can move 30,000 gallons of water per hour, have been bought through donations from Heineken, the Tadcaster Freemasons, and North Yorkshire County Council, and will be placed at each side of the bridge to remove surface water flooding before it can damage properties.

The group has also organised the installation of a digital camera to better monitor the river levels, and feed reports directly to the Environment Agency and warn of flood risk. A Flood Advice Fair will also be held at the town’s Riley Smith Hall on Sunday, October 9, with representatives from the town and county councils, Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water on hand to share information and advice. MP Nigel Adams said: “It is a success story and shows just how much can be achieved by working together.”