MP Anne McIntosh has criticised the Environment Agency for not holding a flood awareness meeting in the Vale of York.

She said it was the second consecutive year her constituency has been overlooked - in spite of suffering heavy flooding.

She has written to officials demanding a meeting takes place as a "matter of urgency".

Miss McIntosh said: "I am extremely disappointed to see the Agency has decided against holding a public meeting here.

"This part of North Yorkshire was very badly hit last year, the villages to the north of York being some of the worst affected spots in the country.

"Bearing in mind that much of the Vale of York is on a flood plain, the area is susceptible to high levels of flooding.

"With predictions already this year that we may see unprecedented levels of flooding nationwide, it is paramount that residents are given the chance to seek advice and get all the help they require to ensure that they are well prepared.

"The Government readily admits that home dwellers are the prime responsibility when it comes to flood awareness.

"It follows that omitting to include a public meeting in the Vale of York will fail hundreds of home

dwellers in this respect."

Earlier this week, the Agency launched a publicity campaign to remind people their homes and businesses are still at risk.

The move comes after research suggested nearly 50 per cent of people living in flood zones in the UK did not know of the potential dangers.

The campaign will use television and newspaper advertisements and direct mailing, urging people to "wise up" to flooding.

Nobody from the Environment Agency was available for comment today.

Updated: 10:01 Thursday, September 20, 2001