Anxious Norton residents today began moving valuable possessions upstairs after a flood alert was issued only one year after their homes were devastated by the overflowing River Derwent.

Harold Darley, managing director of Robsons Motor Services, in Welham Road Norton, sandbags his showroom against flood waters Pictures: Garry Atkinson

The Environment Agency issued an amber flood warning and provided sandbags for Welham Road, which was severely affected in last year's deluge.

The warnings are issued to isolated properties, roads and large areas of low-lying land near rivers or the coast.

Meanwhile, a yellow flood warning was issued today at the River Ouse in York, causing worried riverbank fairground operators at St George's Field car park to stay on full alert.

Robson's Garage, which lies at the bottom of Welham Road, in Norton, is in immediate danger from the rising River Derwent.

Garage owner Barbara Darley said: "It's very worrying. We've moved about 15 cars away from the garage and lifted any low-down tools. Sandbags have also been put along the front of the garage.

"Our family and friends have already rung to offer help. It's going to be an anxious time through the night."

Barry Coning has an engineering business behind Robson's garage. He has also moved lifting equipment and other parts from his workshop floor.

He said: "I've been watching the river very closely and checking it every hour. I wish the authorities would do something about the situation before anything happens." Howard Keal, chairman of the St Nicholas Street Residents' Association, said: "It's incredible to find that on the very day the Environment Agency has been working on a major flood relief scheme, we are faced with the threat of another deluge. It demonstrates the vulnerability of the homes in the immediate area."

An Environment Agency spokeswoman urged residents to closely monitor the floodline service on 0845 988 1188.

She added: "An amber warning remains in force for Welham Road, Norton. The river level will continue to rise slowly throughout the day and is expected to peak at 3.85 metres at 8pm." She said the river level at about 6.30am today was 3.5 metres.

Ryedale District Council spokeswoman Jill Beachell said staff from the commercial services unit were continuing to monitor the level of the River Derwent.

She said no flooding had been reported overnight, "but water levels in the area continue to remain high".

Ms Beachell said: "Around 20 tonnes of sandbags supplied by the Environment Agency were delivered to the Ryedale District Council depot should the situation worsen."

New Pickering resident, Stuart Bennett, who moved into Beck Isle Cottage with his family recently, has praised Ryedale District Council's response to the flood warnings yesterday.

"Ryedale District Council were excellent," said Mr Bennett.

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