York will lead the way nationally in offering long-term help to flood victims, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced.

During a visit to the region he revealed he had asked City of York Council to take charge of developing a recovery plan to bring the city back to normal.

He added this work with other key partners would mean working "with people for a considerable period of time, not just the period of the flood."

He said it would mean for the first time establishing a proper co-ordinated recovery team covering all agencies.

Speaking at the end of a visit to affected areas in York, Barlby and Selby, Mr Prescott explained that while on a similar mission in Ryedale on Friday he met people who were still suffering the effects of the last major floods there 18 months previously.

"Problems do not go away when the floods go away," he added.

City council leader Rod Hills said it was fully committed to using all its resources to get the flood-stricken city back on track.

"We are very aware of the misery many are suffering and the need for urgent help," he said.

"However, we must not lose sight of the threat posed by further severe weather and the need to keep flooding at bay.

"We will be ready to implement our recovery plan as soon as the threat of further flooding has receded."

The recovery plan includes:

Co-ordinating all local utilities.

Using all resources, including cleaner and road workers, to work under the guidance of environmental health experts.

Enlisting the support of the insurance industry by urging companies to ensure claims are dealt with speedily.

He added helpline staff would continue to offer assistance during the recovery operation, including giving advice on insurance claims and hygiene matters. The council would also welcome any help from the community in the recovery work and urged anyone who wished to assist to call the council's information line on 01904 552999. Mr Prescott, who this weekend announced an extra £51 million for flood defences in England, said he had also changed the rules so local authorities would get Government cash aid for dealing with floods more quickly, and the rate of compensation was increased from 85 to 100 per cent - moves welcomed by Coun Hills.

Selby MP John Grogan welcomed Mr Prescott's decision to visit Barlby, saying: "I think there's a feeling in Barlby that initially all the attention was on York."

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