People living near the River Derwent in North Yorkshire breathed a sigh of relief today after the threat of fresh flooding receded - for now.

But worried Norton residents said they face at least another two years of anxiety before their homes are safe at last.

Homes in Norton stayed dry at the weekend and amber flood warnings have been cancelled, but the Environment Agency today confirmed it is continuing to monitor the situation.

Norton, Elvington and Stamford Bridge, where the Swordsman pub was flooded on Saturday, are no longer thought to be at immediate risk.

Last Thursday the Environment Agency gave support for a Norton flood relief scheme during 2002/3.

A scheme could also be put in place in Pickering during 2002/3 and Sinnington in 2005/6.

But Howard Keal, chairman of the St Nicholas Street Residents Association, formed after the 1999 floods, said: "The move from the Environment Agency is very welcome, but it's not good to find within 24 hours of a flood relief scheme getting the go-ahead we are faced with another disaster.

"We have got another two years to wait before the prospect of a single brick being laid.

"Within 24 hours of their meeting we have the most powerful demonstration that we could see of how quickly the river can go from tranquillity to a torrent and one can be left feeling less than comfortable."

He also said a pumping station and non-return valve should be fitted to Mill Beck to help protect the Welham road area of Norton from flooding.

"We have got to get Ryedale District Council to pull together proposals for a pumping station and non-return valve on Mill Beck.

"We need flaps for the water out-falls into the River Derwent, and a pumping station to pump water out of the beck and into the river."

Mill Beck is classified as an "ordinary watercourse" so the district council and not the Environment Agency has the power to carry out works on it.

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