CONCERNS have been raised over the risk of flooding in a village, with residents worried that thousands of pounds of damage could be done to homes in the area.

Brompton Beck, which runs through the village of Brompton, near Northallerton, has been blocked by fallen trees and other debris, as it runs past the edge of the village.

It is feared that, if the wet weather continues, the blockage could result in the excess water spilling over into the village, causing flooding.

Local resident Dave Waring is concerned for residents of Fullicar Lane and the surrounding areas.

He has called for action to be taken to clear the blockage, before it is to late.

Mr Waring said: "Brompton does not suffer from flooding very often, the last major problems we had were in 2005.

"If I lived in the village centre, I would be worried, because it could come back, if nothing is done to help the beck flow more smoothly.

"It would be soul-destroying for those affected, were it to happen again."

Mr Waring estimated that up to 100 houses could be affected if the beck was to flood again.

He said: "When it does flood, it seems to come really quickly. With the weather we have had recently, anything could happen."

Mr Waring said he noticed the blockage in the beck while walking his dog in Walkers Field, in the village.

He said: "If it is left as it is, it will only get worse. Something needs to be done about it."

Councillor Bert Langthorne, Hambleton District Council's member for the Brompton ward, lives at Fir Tree Farm in the village, close to where the beck is blocked.

Coun Langthorne was unavailable for comment today.

The Environment Agency has pledged to clear the blockage.

Spokesman Rob Walsh said the problem had not been brought to the agency's attention.

He said: "Now we have been notified, we will be getting someone out to Brompton Beck, and aim to deal with this as soon as possible.

"If any residents in the area spot similar problems that could cause flooding, they can call the Environment Agency's incident hotline on 0800-807060."