COUNCIL chiefs have welcomed a Government decision to pay out million of pounds towards the clear-up operation after flash floods hit the region in June.

Local authorities in North Yorkshire had feared they would be forced to pick up the bill for damage to roads, bridges and footpaths.

But yesterday, Under Secretary of State Jim Fitzpatrick said the Government would give money to North Yorkshire, Ryedale and Hambleton councils.

The money will come from the Bellwin fund, a scheme which helps local authorities deal with large-scale disasters.

Flash floods hit the county on June 19 after a month's rainfall fell in one hour.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "I am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified. Grants will be paid to the authorities to cover 85 per cent of the eligible costs above a threshold, which they have incurred in dealing with the storm and flood damage."

The floods have cost North Yorkshire County Council an estimated £5m.

Councillor Peter Sowray, the authority's executive member for environmental services, said: "We responded immediately to deal with both the flood and the resulting damage.

"The emphasis was on the local community and many other projects were postponed to allow essential repair work to go ahead.

"It is therefore very good news that the Government has agreed to meet some of the costs of this local disaster."

John Davison, director of operations for Ryedale District Council, said staff were still removing debris from rivers.

The total cost to the council is expected to exceed £150,000.

Mr Davison said: "If we had not been successful with the Bellwin programme, we would have had to find the fund the expenditure ourselves - we're delighted."

But Cyril Dyke, head of customer and information services for Hambleton District Council, was less pleased. The authority will still have to find more than £35,000 from its funds, he said.