WHILE many York residents got that sinking feeling again over the weekend, one restaurant owner's ingenious flood protection plan has saved him thousands of pounds.

When the River Ouse broke its banks and flowed into the Staiths, Robert Swift, owner of The Waterfront restaurant, in King's Staith, feared the worst.

Insurance companies had told the 47-year-old they would not insure his business after last year's devastating downpour cost him £160,000.

Taking matters into his own hands, Mr Swift has built a series of steel detachable frames to make an airtight seal in front of his doors.

So when the river waters lapped towards his premises over the weekend, Mr Swift had the ideal protection.

He said: "When I crossed the Clifton Bridge, I looked at the level of the water and I thought I would have 18 inches in the restaurant.

"I didn't have any insurance after last year so I had to do something. The defences are pure steel held with sealant. It is airtight.

"The total clean-up last year cost £160,000. This has cost £400. A friend of mine suggested the plan.

"To be honest, I didn't know whether it was going to work until I got here and everything is fine.

"You can detach the barriers and then build it up if there's a threat. I think it's quite clever.

"I have got a right result. I have to say it is really marvellous."

Meanwhile, motorists took risks over the weekend parking in St George's Field as the river rose ever higher.

One or two car owners found their motors submerged as the waters rushed in - despite signs warning that the car park was flooded.

It was also a familiar sight at the King's Arms and The Lowther, on King's Staith, which were both closed on Sunday because of the water.

Mike Hartley, landlord of the King's Arms, said: "It is a familiar scene here. It is nothing unusual but it still hurts."

Updated: 08:55 Monday, February 04, 2002