Plans to defend Ryedale against future flooding could also provide new attractions for cyclists and walkers under a scheme being discussed in the district.

A planning application for Malton and Norton's flood defences, which will consist of embankments and flood walls, will be submitted this week.

And Ryedale District Councillor Stephen Shaw of the Malton and Norton Liaison Group, set up in the wake of last year's floods as a link between locals and the Environment Agency, said leisure plans had already been discussed.

"Money to build walls and embankments is already being provided by the EA," said Coun Shaw.

"Some of these embankments would make excellent cycle paths or a possible walk along the river.

"As this cash is going to be provided anyway to protect homes it could also be used to match fund any projects to develop the embankments as cycle and walking tracks.

"They would be an added attraction for visitors to the town and would also enhance the area for residents."

Though there is a desperate need for flood defences in the town any project undertaken will need planning approval by Ryedale District Council.

As most of the River Derwent is a wildlife protected area other bodies such as English Nature will also be consulted.

The EA has announced that work on defences for the town were planned to start this winter for completion next year.

"The plans include flood banks in Old Malton and near the railway line and in Malton and Norton walls built using sheet piles and concrete with appropriate cladding," said an EA spokesperson.

"The cost of the Malton and Norton project is estimated to be around £4 million whereas it will be around £1.3 million for the flood defence project in Pickering."

The Agency is currently looking into possible times and venues for a public display about the flood defences to be held sometime in the middle of May.

Coun Shaw said defences would be built "in the best possible taste".

He added: "There will be a regard for the visual impact of any defences built.

"Some of the defences will have stone cladding whereas for those in built-up areas the defences will be brick-built."

The next meeting of the Malton and Norton Liaison Group will take place on Wednesday June 20 at 6.30pm at Ryedale District Council offices.

Updated: 09:48 Thursday, April 19, 2001