IMPLEMENTATION of some initial flood control measures in South Craven have been welcomed by ward councillors.

Sutton-in-Craven Parish Council recently hosted a multi-organisational meeting to discuss issues related to flooding in South Craven at the end of last year.

Members of North Yorkshire County Council, Craven District Council and parish councils were updated on reports of work being carried out to alleviate high water hell in the area.

South Craven county councillor, Philip Barrett, said: "I'm very encouraged by the effort being made to reduce flood risk in South Craven.

"For example, considerable work has already been carried out to improve highway drainage and the provision of additional sand bag stores at Valley View in Glusburn and Manor Way in Sutton.

"Further highway works are scheduled in Glusburn and Sutton. A bid has also been prepared by the EA to fund a detailed South Craven flood catchment study."

"It's going to be an ongoing project involving all of South Craven," said Cllr Steve Morrell, Sutton-in-Craven ward councillor and Sutton Parish Council chairman. "Rather than looking at just Sutton, they will be looking at areas such as Glusburn, Cross Hills, Cononley and Kildwick, too.

"North Yorkshire County Council and the Environment Agency are looking at large-scale projects to tackle flooding in the area, but the projects are varying in scale.

"North Yorkshire highways have already started looking at the drains to see the silt and hardcore that had been washed down them."

Drains had been inspected and then cleared or repaired, with further work yet to take place.

"Craven District Council is considerably increasing the number of sandbags in the area," added Cllr Morrell. "The number of sandbags in place will be roughly double of what was there."

In addition to increasing storage capacity, he said: "They're also identifying key-holders to manage these sandbag stores, who live in the area and will be able to manage how these sandbags are distributed. They will ensure they are only removed when they are urgently required.

"Things are now moving and it's very positive for the future. But this process is going to take time."

Cllr Barrett added: "Although we are making good progress I wouldn't want to raise residents expectations too much as it will inevitably involve longer-term flood risk reduction measures."