A MAYOR is urging residents to protest over plans to pump raw sewage into a river during an emergency.

The Mayor of Ripon, North Yorkshire, Councillor David Harrison, has asked people living alongside the city's River Skell to oppose an application by Yorkshire Water to the Environment Agency.

But a statement from Yorkshire Water said: "If the mayor had actually spoken to us, he would have understood the details and benefits of this application. By jumping to the wrong conclusions, he has caused unnecessary panic."

Coun Harrison said in reply that he would be prepared to meet Yorkshire Water or attend a public meeting, so the matter could be aired and explained.

The water agency statement added: "We have to apply to the Environment Agency for this revised consent, which is better than the existing one because it gives more protection to the public than the existing situation."

It said it was upgrading a number of unsatisfactory storm overflows, which can discharge diluted sewage into the Skell and River Ure, during prolonged rain.

"This work will enhance the rivers, lessening the risk of diluted sewage entering them," it said.

Coun Harrison has told residents in a letter that the River Skell footpath project, costing £300,000, is to improve riverside walks so that visitors and residents can have better access.

"I certainly don't want to see raw sewage floating through the centre of our beautiful city, nor will our tourists," he said.

He said people had been let down by lack of consultation.

"None of our councillors knew anything about this until a number of applications were published."

He is urging residents to object in writing to the Environment Agency, Coverdale House, Aviator Court, Clifton Moor, York, before January 11.