A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to secure permanent pumps to prevent flooding in parts of North Yorkshire.

County and Ryedale district councillor Lindsay Burr has launched the initiative by donating £5,000 from her locality budget with a further £2,500 pledged by Malton Town Council.

Coun Burr said: "It's time to stop talking, and make things happen. It's unacceptable that residents have to endure suffering because of flooding every year.

"There are plans afoot, which will probably come to fruition in six years time. However, due to reductions in funding, various agencies and groups will have to help raise funds to help the scheme become a reality.

"I wanted to kick-start a fundraising campaign. I know £5,000 in the big picture is not a lot, but everything starts from something, and I'm ever the optimist."

Coun Burr said she had started fundraising because the effects of flooding seen last December were unacceptable.

She added: "I intend to raise as much as I can, as I believe that as many as 6,000 residents could benefit directly if we have permanent pumps to stop flooding.”