TONY Blair has now seen the York floods for himself. The Prime Minister's tight schedule did not allow him more than a brief tour of the Foss Flood Barrier, but that was certainly enough to bring home the awesome power of the floodwater that has brought devastation and misery to so many.

Mr Blair's personal interest stands in contrast to the Opposition leader William Hague. Despite his regular trumpeting of his Yorkshire roots, the Richmond MP appears to ahve said and done nothing about the crisis.

It was a shame that the Prime Minister had no time to visit Ryedale. Residents' suffering there is doubled. Only 18 months after the last floods, their homes and businesses have been deluged again. That must be heartbreaking.

But the Evening Press brought the plight of Ryedale and Stamford Bridge residents to Mr Blair's attention. Chief reporter Mike Laycock gave the Prime Minister a dossier of our reports from our Save Ryedale and Stamford Bridge From Flooding campaign.

Despite two dreadful floods in two years, the Environment Agency has indicated it is unlikely to accelerate planned protection schemes.

The Government, however, has the power to speed up the process. And the Prime Minister's visit did give cause for optimism on two counts.

Firstly, Mr Blair was clearly impressed by the Foss Flood Barrier. This proved beyond any doubt that flood protection can work brilliantly.

Secondly, he pledged more money for flood defences. This message was echoed by agriculture minister Elliott Morley, who implied that Ryedale and Stamford Bridge would be given a higher priority.

We must hold them to their promises. When the floodwaters recede, the crisis will fade from the national spotlight. But the cost of this natural disaster in damaged property, lost business and human misery will be counted for months, even years to come.

As flooding is likely to increase with climate change, it is imperative that our area is given proper protection as soon as possible.