THE flash floods which devastated parts of Ryedale and the Vale of York could cost more than £3 million to clean up, it was revealed today.

Anne McIntosh, Vale of York MP, said the cash would be swallowed up in road repairs, restoration works to bridges and the clearing of debris, dead animals and possessions from riverbanks and surrounding farmland.

Road repairs alone will cost more than £1.8 million, with another £1 million needed for the bridge work.

Miss McIntosh was speaking as research published today revealed how the UK could be transformed into a string of different islands because of climate change.

The study, led by Professor Bill McGuire, the country's leading authority on environmental issues, reveals that a rise in sea levels of up to six or seven metres would drown the centre of London and leave many coastal towns waterlogged. A 13-metre rise would see the sea affecting York and East Yorkshire.

Miss McIntosh said she had asked the Prime Minister for additional funding for a flood alleviation scheme in Thirsk, which she believed might have prevented some of the damage to the town during last week's floods.

"For the estimated cost of £2 million it would be possible to implement a scheme which would alleviate future flooding.

"While the Prime Minister stated the Government was already investing about £500 million each year in flood and coastal erosion management, this is mostly for sea defences," said Miss McIntosh, who had secured a Commons debate tomorrow on the issue.

The flood study, by University College London, warned changing weather patterns would have a devastating effect on Britain unless action was taken to reduce global warming.

Updated: 10:46 Tuesday, June 28, 2005