COUNCILLORS today blasted the long wait for new flood defences in areas of York which were devastated in November 2000.

Householders in neighbourhoods near the Ouse, such as Clementhorpe, South Esplanade and Butcher Terrace, have little hope of protection for more than a decade, claimed Labour councillors.

They said that under the Environment Agency's long-term strategic approach, such areas would be neglected as the agency concentrated instead on improving existing defences.

The ruling Lib Dem executive called for the Government and the Environment Agency to be reminded of promises made in 2000 for assistance to be given to York, and to note the length of time that has since elapsed.

But the agency today claimed the Labour group had misinterpreted what was happening.

Spokesman Peter Holmes said that under the strategic plan, it was investigating possible measures upstream to reduce the flooding risks for everyone in York. Such steps included creating flood storage areas or reducing the amount of gripping (drainage ditches).

He said that under the current long-term plan, new defences would begin in York in about seven years' time.

But this work could still be brought forward or put back - depending on the results of a major study which was now examining the flood risks. The study would not be concluded until 2005, however.

Labour leader Coun Dave Merrett said Clementhorpe had been flooded three times in 21 years, and it was more than odds-on it would suffer the same fate again if the agency stuck to its strategy.

The party's environment spokesman, Coun Derek Smallwood, said the agency was giving little hope to people who knew their homes were at risk, and were suffering high insurance premiums because of this.

"Some residents just can't afford insurance, so would be in a truly dire situation if they were hit by flooding." He said the agency should combine "urgent, localised action" with the broader long-term plans.

The Lib Dem executive was being asked this afternoon to seek assurances from the agency that resources are in place to finance works at locations such as South Esplanade and Clementhorpe, and that a project timetable will be made public.

Assurances may also be sought that such works will commence in accordance with previously agreed timetables, rather than waiting for the final completion of the Strategic Solutions report.

The executive may also support the efforts of Elvington residents to provide a local flood alleviation scheme, and press for an investigation into demountable flood defence systems and the sites in York where they might be applicable.

Updated: 14:28 Tuesday, November 18, 2003