Church leaders at York flood summit

Forty representatives of several churches will discuss how they were able to help people driven from their homes in November, and how they could assist if another disaster strikes.

News of the summit comes as Ryedale flood victims have won permission to go to 10 Downing Street, to hand in a photographic record of their personal tragedies during a visit to the capital on January 30.

The people from Malton and Norton homes and businesses will also carry mock-ups of the sandbags used so much during the disaster.

They want to show the Government and the rest of the country what flooding really means.

They will also meet Agriculture Minister Elliot Morley to press for a 100 per cent Government grant to ensure a flood defence scheme for Ryedale can be fast-tracked.

The Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, is hosting tomorrow's meeting, involving representatives from the Methodist, United Reformed and Anglican churches and the Salvation Army.

Martin Sheppard, York Diocesan Director of Communications, said the meeting was an opportunity for local church leaders to thank those who played, and were still playing, a prominent part in the churches' response to the flooding crisis.

"It will review what measures can be taken to anticipate future floods, to ensure that churches are well prepared to show practical compassion to those affected," he said.

"The response in November 2000 demonstrated the reality of Christian unity on the ground in many communities.

"This will be recognised and reaffirmed at the Bishopthorpe meeting."

Meanwhile, donations are still being made to the Archbishop of York's Floods Fund, with another £973 being donated by villagers at Snainton, near Scarborough.

Mr Sheppard said continuing care for flood victims was not solely financial: for example, the churches of Butterwick, Foxholes and Langtoft near Driffield organised a Christmas lunch, for those affected in the Norton area.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, January 18, 2001