COUNCIL chiefs are urging the Environment Agency to reconsider crucial plans to save large parts of North Yorkshire from flooding.

A long-awaited report from the agency into the way ahead for flood relief in the Northallerton and Thirsk areas has been heavily criticised.

Councillors believe studies, launched following the floods in November 2000, is inaccurate and does not provide a solution to the problem.

Hambleton District Council wants the agency to re-examine its proposals because, it has claimed, flood plain maps appear to be flawed.

Flood risk studies have been carried out in the Brompton, Northallerton and Romanby areas, as well as at Cod Beck in Thirsk.

But councillors said that, while the causes of the last floods have been identified, more work on finding solutions was needed for those areas at risk in the future.

Cabinet spokesman on public protection Councillor John Morley said: "We think that these studies are flawed with the definition of the flood plain on maps unclear.

"The studies are short on solutions and need more investigation. It is vital that we gather as much information as possible on future flood risk areas.

"If the maps we have been working from are wrong then they must be corrected immediately.

"People in Hambleton are suffering and will continue to suffer if correct action is not taken now."

He added: "This council will continue to take a pro-active community leadership role in promoting and facilitating flood mitigation work across the district."

Parts of the Hambleton district have suffered recent flooding problems.

Only three weeks ago properties in the North End of Northallerton were badly affected by heavy rainfall and a youth club in the town hall basement was forced to close. A flash flood also affected homes in Finkle Street, Thirsk.

Last year, villagers in Brompton also faced a fight to persuade council planners to approve a new sports centre because of fears about the potential for flooding.