Action under way to project flood-risk homes

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) is working with partners, including Ryedale District Council (RDC), to improve the infrastructure for flood pumps in the towns so that on the occasions when water levels start to rise, the pumps can be deployed more quickly and efficiently.

The infrastructure improvements will involve the installation of permanent brackets, pipework and hard standing at various locations to improve the response time of pump deployment, which is supported by RDC and other partners as part of the Malton, Norton and Old Malton Pump Plan.

The formalisation of the infrastructure will also improve public safety and the safety of pump operatives.

County Cllr Don Mackenzie, NYCC’s executive member for access, said: “These infrastructure improvements are relatively small and people are unlikely to notice much difference on the ground, but they should significantly improve the speed and efficiency with which pumps can be deployed, which could have a big impact when dealing with potential flooding.”

Cllr Keane Duncan, leader of RDC, said: “We’re pleased to be working with NYCC and partners to bring about these key changes for the benefit of our citizens.

“Residents of Malton, Old Malton and Norton can rest assured that when any flooding occurs, the equipment in place will help us deal with it effectively.”

In addition, the owners of 150 properties that are regarded as high-risk are encouraged to take advantage of a property level resilience (PLR) scheme that is being funded by NYCC and its partners.

The scheme aims to identify products and measures that would help to reduce both the physical and mental impacts of flooding.

County Cllr Lindsay Burr added: “As county, district and town councillor for Malton and Old Malton, I have worked tirelessly and campaigned for these flood prevention measures for many years.

“The scheme will provide huge benefits for local residents and cannot come soon enough.”