WORK on a Ryedale town's flood defences are set to move on to the next phase as contractors finish re-routing utilities on site.

Gas company Transco announced yesterday that it had completed its part of the work on the Mill Beck pumping station scheme.

The station is designed to protect residents in Norton from the recurring flood problems which have blighted their homes. But work was held up after safety concerns were expressed by Railtrack about the proximity of a gas main to Malton's signal box and rail lines.

A spokesman for Transco said: "It's on with the council now I believe."

Ryedale District Council expects its contractor, Seymours, to make a start on the pumping station next week.

A spokeswoman said: "Our contractors will be starting next Monday but they will be having a meeting first with Railtrack to discuss safety issues."

At last Thursday's meeting of Ryedale District Council's community services and licensing committee, chairman Coun Elizabeth Shields said: "It has been a very worrying time for people affected by the Mill Beck floods."

She hit back at criticism which had been made by a Norton resident on BBC Radio York on Thursday claiming that RDC was to blame for the delays. "I utterly refute this," she said.

Transco had been given the contract last January but did not start work until July. "Our council has done everything in its power and the officers have done an excellent job," said Coun Shields.

Coun Brian Maud said: "I am frustrated and annoyed that it has taken so long but I am confident that RDC has done everything it could."

Coun Keith Orrell claimed Transco and Railtrack had each "dragged their heels" on the flood defence scheme and he feared RDC would have to pay a higher figure than originally envisaged.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, September 11, 2002