PICKERING residents had a chance to grill Environment Agency officials on proposed flood defences.

Defence plans were put on display at the town's Memorial Hall yesterday and residents had a chance to view them and submit their own views about the proposals.

A spokesman from the Environment Agency said: "We had quite a few people through the doors - people were very interested in what we are suggesting. We had a few comments from people who were keen to know exactly what the defences would look like.

"Some people were concerned the defences should be in keeping with surrounding businesses."

Pickering was hit by flooding during last year's floods in November.

Businesses affected included the Beck Isle Museum and the Rose Inn public house.

Updated: 11:24 Friday, August 10, 2001