FLOODS have hit York for the first time this year, with several roads under water.

Water Lane and the Crichton Avenue roundabout in Clifton, Field Lane in Heslington, opposite Bede House, Southolme Drive junction with Shipton Road and Skeldergate were affected.

"There are several areas with quite extensive flooding which we are dealing with at the moment," said Ben Isles, City of York Council maintenance manager.

"Now the rain has stopped we are hoping to have it dealt with quickly," he said.

One of the worst-hit areas was Water Lane and Rawcliffe Lane in Clifton, close to Canon Lee School.

Deputy Headmaster Indru Nariani said: "There were problems with flooding this morning on Rawcliffe Lane close to the zebra crossing at the bottom of the school fields.

"There were some problems with vehicles trying to drive through.

"Some of the youngsters helped with moving the cars and getting them started.

"It caused a lot of traffic congestion in this area."

Updated: 14:02 Tuesday, July 01, 2003