Proposals for the long-awaited flood defences for Malton and Norton will be put before residents of the two towns next week.

Experts from the Environment Agency will also be on hand at the exhibitions to answer queries and comments.

But a start date for the work is still a long way off - planning permission will still need to be obtained and stringent economic tests set by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food need to be met.

The Environment Agency's Dales area manager Craig McGarvey urged as many people as possible to go along.

He said: "This is an excellent opportunity for people to see where the defences will be built and to ask questions about the planned work.

"After the devastating impact of flood events over the past two years, it is entirely understandable that people are keen to see things moving and this is a chance for people to see what progress has been made."

Displays will include copies of the plans submitted to Ryedale District Council and artist's impressions showing how the defences will look.

Council representatives will also be available to answer questions.

* The exhibitions will be held at St Peter's Church Hall, Norton, on Tuesday, May 22, from 3pm to 8pm and the War Memorial Hall, Old Malton, on Thursday, May 24, from 3pm to 8pm.

Updated: 11:28 Tuesday, May 15, 2001