MIDDLETON on Leven could get a new drainage system, if funding can be obtained, possibly through a combination of county council money, grants and a donation from the National Grid.

Problems have arisen with surface water flowing off roads into a small gully and at least one domestic septic tank. Middleton is not on the mains water or sewage system, and there was recently some uncertainty about responsibility for the problems.

Coun Mat McAdams raised the issues at Rudby Parish Council last month and gave a new update at its latest meeting.

"I've spoken to the highways department and a scheme is being drawn up for Middleton. But they're waiting to hear about funding. They agree a new drain would solve the problem."

Coun McAdams said there were two factors creating the problems. Rainwater from roads was going into a drain which was basically a small culvert. It, in turn, went into a smaller clay pipe, which appeared unable to cope and suffered blockages.

An additional problem with sewage was created by flood water getting into a septic tank. There had been bad smells and bubbles in water near some houses.

It was a sensitive matter, he emphasised. But concerns had been raised about possible health risks, especially as children played nearby.

"A big drain would probably cope with everything that comes into it," he suggested.

He had also spoken to Northumbrian Water. He said a drain was needed which ran from the top to the bottom of the village, to the river.

Vice-chairman Coun John Richardson said National Grid had offered a donation to Middleton for inconvenience during its pylon work. Perhaps a contribution from the firm for the drains problem would help speed things up a bit, he suggested.

Coun Caroline Seymour said: "That might be one way of speeding things up. We could see if we could get that money to the county council. The area budgets are going to be reduced but we could still put in for a grant.

"We got some money from the county for the extra Middleton street light, so we could put in a bid for the drains."

Coun Richardson suggested a figure of £250-£300. Further investigations would continue and an update would be given at the next parish council meeting.