YORKSHIRE WATER is holding a drop-in session today where the company will unveil plans for a new pumping station, which should help reduce the risk of flooding in part of Skipton.

Homes on Cross Street should have extra protection against the risk of flooding when contractors complete the installation of a new pumping station in the spring.

A number of properties in the area have been affected following heavy or prolonged rain in the past but the company will unveil its proposals for improvements at a drop-in at The Railway Inn on Carleton Street, giving people with homes in the area an opportunity to comment as the £225,000 scheme gets underway.

Representatives from Yorkshire Water and contractors Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) will be available to answer questions about the project between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

"The work will mean the closure of Cross Street at the junction with Cavendish Street to allow the crews to work in safety," said project manager Tony Urwin.

"Although access for pedestrians will be maintained, we acknowledge this is likely to mean some inconvenience for people who live in the area for which we'd like to apologise in advance - but we hope residents will understand the long-term benefits.

"Once it's completed in March, the pumping station should help the sewerage system beneath Cross Street work more efficiently after storms or heavy rain, containing more water underground and thus reducing the risk of flooding."

Existing sewerage services in the area should not be affected once work gets underway later this month and neither Yorkshire Water nor MMB anticipate needing access to homes.

Residents are warned to be on their guard if they are approached by strangers claiming they need to be allowed in and to ask for identification. Genuine employees of both companies carry ID cards which can be verified by ringing the number on the reverse.