Work started today on temporary flood defences in Old Malton - as the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott prepared to return to flood-stricken Ryedale residents.

The 80 metres of defences, made from packed clay and wooden pallets, are designed to withstand a six-foot high flood (1.8 metres).

And they could be put to the test very quickly, as a combination of melting snow and rainfall has led the Derwent to burst its banks again at Old Malton - although properties are not yet under threat.

Environment Agency spokesperson Sue Norton said: "The system is very much a temporary measure, but should be in place for a couple of months while we assess how effective it is. If the river levels do rise, as they have over the last couple of days, we will get a good indication of how effective it is.

"The system is quite versatile, it can be put up at a reasonable cost and can also be taken out and reused, in the same place or elsewhere."

Old Malton resident Martin Dales was pleased something was being done, saying: "It seems like they are trying to put things right now. Hopefully these temporary measures will be replaced soon by permanent defences, something that is more visually acceptable for Old Malton."

Dave Beck, head chef at Old Malton's Royal Oak pub, who saw both his home and work inundated twice, was also pleased. "Everyone has noticed the work starting and they've been wondering what has been going on.

"Any measures are better than no measures, even if it is temporary and untested. Nobody is going to knock it - especially as the river has burst its banks again".

Ryedale MP John Greenway said: "I am sure the community of Old Malton will be grateful for the fact that something is at last being done.

"It is nothing like enough, but as Old Malton is technically easier to protect than Malton and Norton - which need the flood walls - it makes sense to put this system in while the opportunity is there to do so."

Norton resident Howard Keal said that if the Old Malton defences proved effective, they should be considered to protect Malton and Norton over the next two winters until permanent defences have been completed.

When Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott came to Ryedale during the November flooding disaster, he said he would come back at a later date.

He was today due to meet with the Environment Agency and the chief executive of Ryedale District Council Harold Mosley, and then call in on residents whose homes have been inundated twice in the past two years.

A spokesman said: "Mr Prescott is making a private return visit on his way back from a trip to Middlesbrough".

Updated: 12:55 Friday, March 09, 2001