Norton
Pump it up!
A major scheme put forward by the Liberal Democrats is protecting homes in Norton from flooding.
It has been made possible with a total of £400,000 splashed out by Ryedale District Council, the Environment Agency and Redrow Homes.
A key to making the Priorpot Beck project happen was that well over a third of the bill was picked up by the house builder.
The vital partnership with Redrow was put forward by Howard Keal, leader of the Lib Dem Group on Ryedale District Council.
“We needed the support of the home builder so the sums added up to ensure the scheme went ahead,” he said.
A key hand to the pump was the Lib Dem’s Elizabeth Shields who at the time chaired the committee that pushed the project through.
The pumping station protects people in Maudon Grove,
It prevents the watercourse from backing up when the River Derwent is in spate by pushing water over the defences and into the main channel.
“This project sorts out the Achilles heel in our flood defences,” said Howard.
"It took sustained pressure to make the project happen but we now have a magnificent piece of engineering in place that will safeguard homes.”
Elizabeth, also a Norton East ward member, said: “Staff from the district council have done an excellent job of providing temporary pumps."
“That work prevented homes from being flooded, but the new pumping station is a much more sustainable long term solution that is better for everyone.”