WATER engineers are working to solve long-running problems that have led to flooding and complaints about leaking sewage.

Discontent among members of Aiskew and Leeming Bar Parish Council about strain on Leeming Bar's drains came to a head after it was reported that a resident in Ashlands Drive discovered sewage over a large area of his garden twice in four weeks.

Members also said that heavy rain brought flooding to parts of the village and claimed that the sewage system was not coping with the rapid rate of local development.

At the latest council meeting, Yorkshire Water catchment manager Tony Sledmore attended to allay local fears,

He said there had been significant investment in upgrading the local sewage works over the past 14 years.

Mr Sledmore said that, since 2002, there had been three reported incidents of flooding in Ashlands Drive and four in Northallerton Road, caused by sewer overload.

He said that it was intended to carry out work which would eradicate flooding from the foul water sewer. He said the results would be kept under review.

Yorkshire Water field engineer Philip Allison said work could start within the next month.

Mr Sledmore said the local 70-year-old sewage works had been rebuilt in 1992 at a cost of £1.8m.

The company had earmarked £1.3m for further improvements so that it could cope with current flows