ONE of the most extensive programmes of emergency flood defence work ever taken in the region has been launched - to stop a repeat of the recent devastation.

The programme follows two weeks of intensive survey work by the Environment Agency to assess the damage to the region's network of floods defences caused by the worst flooding in the area for 400 years.

The Environment Agency's work includes refurbishing and repairing electrical and mechanical operations of the Foss Barrier, in York, and repairing about 300 metres of flood embankment next to the River Derwent at Wressle Clough, to protect land near Howden.

In the long term, the agency is launching a series of strategies to look at all the flood defence options for rivers affected by flooding, including the River Derwent, the River Ouse at York, Naburn, Cawood, Barlby and Selby, the River Wharfe at Tadcaster and Ulleskelf and the River Ure from Ripon to Boroughbridge.

It is considering accelerating existing schemes and introducing new schemes at locations affected by the floods.

Peter Holmes, Environment Agency flood defence manager for the Dales area, said: "We have a major task ahead and we want to thank people for the support and patience they have given us over these past few weeks.

"We understand residents' concerns about our inability to meet with those communities affected by flooding.

"However, we have completed the planning process and got these emergency works underway and are now bringing in the extra resources needed to enable us to meet with residents."

He added: "Every river in the region was affected by this event which was completely unprecedented in its severity and duration.

"So far, it has cost the Environment Agency over £2.5 million and that figure is expected to increase. The cost to the communities affected by this devastation, though, is immeasurable."

Meanwhile, City of York Council is undertaking a mass removal of sandbags from around the city following the recent floods.

A number of sandbags have already been collected and the council now wants to ensure that the remainder are collected from residents.

Trevor Phillips, assistant director, environmental regulation, said: "Residents whose houses have been flooded have received a letter from the council advising them that contaminated sandbags will be collected.

"Any residents who wish to retain the sandbags provided for the protection of their homes are being encouraged to do so and they should be stored safely to dry out."

He added: "Anyone moving sandbags should do so carefully as they are heavy, and people should wear protective gloves."

A final collection of sandbags will be made by the council on Monday November 27 from the Rawcliffe, Bishopthorpe, Fulford, Leeman Road, Naburn, Elvington and city centre areas. Residents are advised to place them on the pavement in front of their homes on Monday morning, ensuring they don't cause an obstruction.

The sandbags which gave extra protection to the Leeman Road area of the city will remain in place over the winter period.