RESIDENTS in a Ryedale town will be able to take a Christmas stroll when a popular footpath reopens.

Work on flood defences for Malton and Norton has meant the Gannock, at Old Malton, had to be closed off to the public.

But contractor Interserve has started clearing the site so that the riverside walk can be open over the festive period.

Construction fences and equipment are being cleared from the area so visitors and residents can enjoy a walk after the Christmas lunch during the holidays.

Project manager Stewart Robertson said: "We wanted to open up this area for the Christmas holidays as we are aware that it is popular with local people.

"We will be returning to the site in the new year to complete the defences and landscaping of the area, but for the time being it will be open to public use."

He added: "We have tried to help local people by laying a temporary hard surface adjacent to the embankments to clean the area up a bit, as it has become rather muddy due to the construction works and the use of heavy plant on the site."

The temporary surface will be used by Interserve in the new year while drainage works are completed in the area. Reinstating and landscaping the site is expected to be completed in the spring.

Resident Martin Dales said he and other residents were pleased to see the footpath re-opening.

"I want to welcome the fact that this is a temporary measure to enable residents to walk there," he said. "But we look forward to the area being returned to us as a green area.

"It is important that Interserve remember that the hardcore is only a temporary measure."

Updated: 11:56 Friday, December 20, 2002