A MAJOR clean-up operation continues in Yorkshire Dales communities after the flash floods on Tuesday.

Communities in Swaledale, Arkengarthdale and Wensleydale have been pulling together to help each other remove debris from homes, and support those who have lost animals and possessions.

Highways teams continue to work round the clock clearing roads and responding to the severe weather in the Yorkshire Dales.

Teams of volunteers orchestrated by North Yorkshire County Council were sent to Langthwaite in Arkengarthdale and Leyburn on Thursday, to assess damage and see what support was required.

Grace Lawes, senior resilience and emergency officer at NYCC, said: “We deployed volunteers from our major incident response and ‘Ready For Anything’ teams, as well as volunteers from the Red Cross to boost numbers.

“They door knocked everyone who was affected, to see what support they need and work out what we need to send in the weeks to follow.

“They were working out where the best place to put skips will be. They were also leaving leaflets about where to receive emotional support, should they need it after the initial shock has subsided.”

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) is keen to help flood hit farmers and landowners in and around Swaledale.

Alan Hulme, head of park management, has asked has asked them and walkers to report damage caused by the flooding to footpaths and bridleways.

He said: “If people let us know where the damage is, we can get out and inspect it quickly. Once we know the extent of the damage, we can start discussing with landowners about the best way of going about getting things repaired.”

To report damage contact area manager Matt Neale at matt.neale@yorkshiredales.org.uk or on 01969-666225.

Helen Keep, YDNPA senior farm conservation officer, said: “Our Farm Conservation team are working with the Dales Farmer Network who are in contact with affected farmers. We have requested their help in gathering information about the amount of damage on farms; such as losses of silage/hay and animals, walls and buildings, farm tracks, access bridges and machinery.

“We are particularly interested in assessing the level of flood damage for items that are not covered by insurance.

"Your information will help us build a picture of the level of damage caused by the flooding and we will be working with the Farmer Network to see whether it is possible to get emergency funding.

“In the meantime, we would advise you to take photos and video of the damage. Please send details of the damage to the Farmer Network, either by emailing Info@thefarmernetwork.co.uk or call 01768- 868615.”

Richmond MP Rishi Sunak said: “Liaising with North Yorkshire County Council, police and fire service on Wednesday, it was clear what a sterling job our emergency services did to keep people safe. My thanks to them and 2 Yorkshire Regiment who turned out from Catterick Garrison to help.”