Calls for a public debate on the £1.3 million plan for flood alleviation action at Pickering and on the future of the sluice gate and the town's river have been made by councillors.

The calls follow the launch of the Evening Press campaign backing measures to prevent further flooding in Ryedale.

Ryedale MP John Greenway, who attended a meeting of Pickering Town Council, said there had been concern for some years about the condition of the sluice gate and weir along Pickering Beck near Vivers Mill.

"As I understand it the responsibility for their maintenance rests with the riparian (riverside property) owners," he said.

However, he added that the Environment Agency had no powers over that part of the beck due to an error in the drafting of the definitive map of the river.

"I believe it is generally accepted that this was an oversight," he added.

Mr Greenway said he had now been told by the EA that it intends to ask the Ministry of Agriculture for an order to vary the map to remedy the problem.

"In its present condition it is feasible that over time the sluice gate and weir could collapse as happened once before," he said.

"While the EA were not unduly perturbed if it happened, it was concerned to ensure the free flow of the fish across the weir.

"The EA was willing to work with Pickering Town Council and Ryedale District Council to achieve a workable solution for the management of the river," Mr Greenway added.

He said a new sluice gate might cost £15,000 and he said the town could consider it to be a worthwhile investment if it helped to secure the amenity of the river.

He said a flood protection scheme for Pickering was due to go before the Regional Flood Defence Committee shortly.

Coun Gaynor de Barr said the town council was not in a position to contribute towards the £15,000 sluice gate scheme - a view backed by other councillors.