Pickering flood defences hailed as ideal model

A North Yorkshire town which avoided flooding despite not having traditional flood defences has been hailed as an example to follow.

Pickering flooded in 2007 but couldn't get funding for a flood barrier. Instead a smaller, and cheaper reservoir to store water and let it out slowly was built further up Pickering beck.

In addition, 167 small, leaky dams were built out of logs and branches and trees were planted.

It is part of an attempt to recreate past conditions that slowed the flow of water from the hills. Instead of dealing with the water when it gets to the town, the aim is to control the path it takes.

Academics and engineers say that these cost effective, simple schemes are not always appropriate but could be the way to prevent further flooding across the north. Dr Paul Quinn has worked on similar schemes in Northumberland.

Pickering's residents enjoyed a dry Christmas. Kathryn Grayston spent Boxing Day wondering if the new measures would be enough to hold back the waters running past her home.