NEW flood risk maps and information have revealed the danger to nearly 14,000 homes and 6,500 businesses and public buildings across North Yorkshire.

The county council has highlighted the problems as part of a new flood risk strategy. They’re asking community groups and individuals to examine it and tell them what they think.

North Yorkshire has over 1,700 km of rivers and 23,000 km of streams and land drainage, one of the biggest areas of watercourses in the country.

The aim is to outline the potential scale of flooding so people can understand how and why it happens. Clear lines of responsibility and targets for improvement have also been put forward.

Areas at risk include many parts of the highways and railways as well as hospitals and emergency services buildings

County Councillor Gareth Dadd, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Environmental Services said: “This strategy sets out priorities for dealing with flooding across the whole of North Yorkshire and we welcome any feedback. We hope this comprehensive approach will give greater support to communities, will identify funding opportunities and ensure resources are targeted where most benefit can be gained.”

Go to http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/article/29725/North-Yorkshire-local-flood-risk-strategy for information. The consultation ends on December 17.