Riverside fairground bosses in York were on full alert today after the Environment Agency issued a yellow flood warning.

Yvonne Allan, on the staff of the Swordsman pub in Stamford Bridge, moves furniture out of potential flood water from the nearby River Derwent Pictures: Garry Atkinson

And a pub at Stamford Bridge badly hit by last year's River Derwent floods was also braced for a soaking.

The York fairground is situated at St George's car park, close to the swollen River Ouse.

Terry Atha, who runs the waltzers with his father, said they would be checking the river levels all day.

He added: "It's something we accept being situated here. I will have to get some wellies."

Shooting gallery boss, Clive Dale, is pitched on the edge of the car park nearest the river.

He said: "A friend phoned me up and told me there was a possibility of floods. I'm keeping my fingers crossed because I live in Malton and remember the terrible floods last year."

Neil Townsend, landlord of the Swordsman at Stamford Bridge, said: "It's a nightmare. We've been on standby all night. We are going to start lifting the carpets because we've been told water will get into the pub. We will still be serving - with wellies on if we have to."

Environment Agency spokesman, Colin Atkinson said: "We forecast a rise of 3.25 metres above the normal water level which is five metres. There's risk of water getting on to the river side of the car park. Waters are going to peak at approximately 5pm."

He added the Ouse would have to rise to 3.96 metres for the car park to become completely flooded.

The Environment Agency issued an amber flood warning and provided sandbags for Welham Road, Norton, which was severely affected in last year's deluge.

Flood victims welcome £4m prevention scheme

Norton braced for more floods

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