Sir, - With regard to the recent serious flooding of Northallerton, I am pressing for action from Hambleton District and North Yorkshire County to undertake a catchment wide hydrological survey of Turker beck and Sun beck, the two main causes of the flooding, and to develop a suitable management plan, identifying the problems and overcoming them.

In specific relation to Turker beck, the nature of this water course has changed significantly over the last two years, now producing flash floods at the drop of a hat. There has been four flooding incidents in the last 15 months (three since June this year) that have caused serious damage to property and extensive personal distress to many residents, due to Turker beck overflowing into Turker Lane. The cost of this running into £10,000's.

There is a significant problem now evident within the catchment area of its ability to store excess water, especially overland flow. The drainage system through Northallerton is totally inadequate to deal with these high flow peaks.

Two options exist: -

a) Improve the drainage through Northallerton, but there is nowhere for the water to go downstream (it's like trying to fit a pint into a thimble) and the problems only move to another area;

b) Attack the problem at root by undertaking flood defence above the town to negate periods of high flow and to allow steadier drainage - a much more cost-effective approach and longer term solution.

This situation is now beyond the responsibility of individual land owners. A central policy and plan needs to be in place, and quickly. I appreciate that the weather conditions were excessive, but this will happen again and again in the present and predicted climatic conditions. Northallerton will flood again unless this situation is resolved.

GORDON FURNESS

Kelvin Terrace,

Northallerton.

Early closing

Sir, - I refer to the report by Brian Redhead (D&S, Nov 3) about the early closure of the booking office and waiting rooms at Northallerton station.

The shortage of staff has been due to a recent retirement in this office. For some time now the waiting rooms have been locked at various times because of possible vandalism taking place.

When the waiting rooms on the southbound platform are closed there is no alternative shelter whatsoever for waiting passengers. The northbound platform has a small sheltered area. It is essential that some additional form of shelter is provided on the south bound platform.

Regarding the rumours about station closure and fewer trains calling at the station, why was an additional car park for 80 cars recently provided?

R BATESON

The Close,

Romanby