MORE than 450 homes in a village near York are now covered by the Environment Agency’s free flood warning service.

The agency says 459 properties in Bishopthorpe can now sign up to receive flood warning messages.

A spokesman said the free service, which goes live from next Wednesday, November 28, informed residents of the risk of flooding via a phone call to a mobile or a landline, as well as via text and email.

“Residents can opt to receive warning and alert messages via as many methods and for as many family members as they wish,” he said.

He urged residents to check and understand their flood risk in order to make full use of the free flood warning service.

He said Bishopthorpe Parish Council, alongside City of York Council and the agency, was developing a community emergency plan for the village.

“This plan will enable responder organisations and the Bishopthorpe residents to work alongside each other during an emergency such as flooding, through initiatives such as opening rest centres, reassuring vulnerable people, and providing updates.

“Environment Agency staff will be in the village next week to deliver letters with further details to the relevant homes next week, when residents will have the opportunity to ask questions to EA staff.”

He said the agency was also appealing for new volunteer flood wardens from the village. For information, residents should email YorkshireFloodResilience@environment-agency.gov.uk.