AMID one of the driest spells on record, at the start of an Easter week set for a heatwave, we reveal that York's flood defence plans are in trouble.

It is an irony, but not a surprise. This is the way the political world works.

When the rain was bucketing down, and York came within an inch or two of major disaster, we heard all sorts of promises. During the 2000 floods, the Prime Minister held an impromptu conference on top of the Foss Bridge pumping station. Sheltering under an umbrella he pledged to make flood defences a priority.

Days later, his deputy waded through the streets of Ryedale making more encouraging noises.

And there have been significant improvements. The £7.5 million Malton and Norton flood defences are complete. Government money has been put aside for the Stamford Bridge scheme. But Tony Blair's commitment to bolster York's defences is still little more than a pipe dream.

The Environment Agency's Long Term Plan - never has a document been more aptly titled - reveals that the city will have to wait nearly ten years for a scheme which will cost double the number they first thought of.

This scandalous situation will not create as much of a fuss as it should. In these near-drought conditions, flooding has evaporated from the political agenda. But it remains at the forefront of the minds of riverside residents. They are understandably outraged. They took the Prime Minister at his word and expected to be protected by now.

We now make three predictions of things which will happen between now and the new flood defence start date, 2010. Firstly, York will be hit by more flooding, with all the personal and economic costs that entails. Secondly, the price of flood defences will increase further. Thirdly, building will continue on the flood plain.

In other words, this delay is intolerable. It is up to our MP to make that clear to the Government, and to keep Mr Blair's credibility from draining away.

Updated: 11:31 Monday, April 14, 2003