Pleas were made this week by Ryedale's MP John Greenway for the big flood defence scheme for Norton and Malton to go ahead as a priority, despite the cost rocketing £1.3m.

He has written to Professor Roy Ward, chairman of the Yorkshire Regional Flood Defence Committee, asking that the committee agree to provide its share of the funding.

"I am urging the members to ensure that the Environment Agency does have the resources at its disposal to carry out the scheme in as speedy a time scale as possible."

Mr Greenway said that, while it was still subject to DEFRA approval, he believed the Government would pay 65pc of the extra cost, but local authorities in Yorkshire and Humberside would have to find the remaining 35pc.

He was concerned that residents who had been victims of the floods may fear that the scheme could be delayed because of the cost rising from the original figure of £5m.

"I am pleading with the committee members that they cannot let Norton and Malton down now. I appreciate they have some difficult financial decisions to make in January but I do want them to honour their commitment to making our scheme the main priority."

What was needed, said Mr Greenway, was for local authorities to make an on-going commitment over the next few years towards funding flood defence schemes.

"Whatever they pay out for such projects they should be able to get back the following year from the Government in their Standard Spending Assessment grant."

The committee will also face a £5m rise in the cost of a river scheme at Goole, said Mr Greenway.

"I appreciate it will be difficult for the committee but I am anxious that they continue to back the Malton and Norton flood defence scheme as the priority."

Planners have finally given the go-ahead to a £1m flood defence scheme for Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency revealed that it has agreed to look again at protecting three properties which are not included in the current project - Jo Barry's shop and home, the Weir Caravan Park and the Cornmill Restaurant.

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, December 20, 2001