IMPROVEMENTS could be made to the A1 to avoid further flooding problems, officials said last night.

The Highways Agency is carrying out an investigation into the response to flooding in North Yorkshire which closed the route for almost two days last month.

The road was partially shut again on Monday for several hours after flood water spilled on to the northbound carriageway near Catterick Village.

A nine-mile tailback was reported and congestion lasted most of the day.

The Highways Agency said the September floods were the result of exceptional weather conditions, which caused substantial volumes of water to flow off the surrounding fields onto the A1.

A spokesman added: "Since then, we have been working closely with a number of local agencies - including local councils, emergency services and the Environment Agency - to examine our response to the incident and consider what, if any, improvements can be carried out in the area. If any improvements are required, they will be implemented as soon as is practical."

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire county councillor Carl Les is urging the chancellor to tackle the flooding problem on the road – and improve transport links and road safety - by approving a cancelled upgrade of the A1 between Leeming and Barton.

Coun Les said: “We can’t continue with a situation where the main North/South road on this side of the country is repeatedly being closed because of flooding.”