HOMES and businesses in Skipton and Glusburn at risk of potential flooding are being offered advice on the doorstep.

From now, and during the next few weeks, the Environment Agency will be targeting more than 1,600 properties at risk, offering advice and information and encouraging them to sign up to a free early alert system.

At risk properties include those along Eller Beck and Waller Beck in Skipton, and along Eastburn Beck (Holme Beck) in Glusburn.

It has recently started work on its £13 million Skipton flood alleviation scheme and is running information drop-in sessions from 10am to 3pm every Friday at Skipton Town Hall throughout February and March.

Graham Lindsay, Environment Agency flood resilience advisor, said they wanted people to be pro-active and prepare for potential flooding.

“While we continue our work to tackle flooding problems, including delivering the Skipton flood alleviation scheme, we also want residents and businesses to be pro-active in thinking about the risks posed by flooding and how they can take steps to be prepared," he added.

And he urged more people to take up the offer of free alerts, as currently only a quarter of eligible residents and businesses had signed up.

"There’s a real danger that if there was a major flood affecting these communities, we would not be able to effectively warn people in advance," Mr Lindsay said.

Agency staff will be visiting homes and businesses from this week, offering advice and information.

Many of the streams and becks in Pennine areas, such as Eller Beck in Skipton and Holme Beck in Glusburn, can rise very quickly in response to heavy rainfall, particularly when the ground is saturated.

It only takes around 15cm (6in) of fast moving water to sweep someone off their feet, and around 60cm (2ft) to float a car, so it’s essential people know the signs that flash flooding could occur and do not put themselves at risk.

The Environment Agency recently started work to improve flood defences in parts of Skipton town centre. Four sites in the town centre have been targeted for improvements as part of the £13 million scheme, and two flood storage areas are also being constructed outside the town.