FLOOD-hit residents want action to remove a large build-up of silt which is blocking the flow of a town centre river.

The build-up, measuring 10ft by 4ft, has blocked one arch of the three-span Millgate traffic bridge in Thirsk and is impeding the flow of Cod Beck.

Residents fear it will cause the beck to flood, as it has done several times in the past.

It is also stable enough for anti-social youths to use as an escape route from the police.

Thirsk Town Council has tried to have the blockage removed for several months to no avail because of a wrangle over whether it is North Yorkshire County Council's or the Environment Agency's problem.

Town Councillor Barry Ogleby, of nearby St James Green, said: "It obviously stops the flow and the water builds up behind it and you get flooding.

"It does not help the situation and it needs to be cleared on a regular basis.

"But it has been neglected and nothing has been done and they think by ignoring it that it will go away.

"Everyone you speak to says it will increase the risk of flooding as it cuts down where the water can flow."

Thirsk's County Councillor Gareth Dadd believes the Environment Agency should clear the silt.

He added: "I feel it's the Environment Agency's responsibility.

"It does not instill confidence, should we suffer flooding again as it completely blocks one arch.

"I would like to think this problem is being looked into to allay fears over future flooding."

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We are looking into it and it will be cleared.

"We are meeting with the county on Friday to have a discussion about the best way forward. We are concerned about it and we like to clear anything that is an obstruction and could pose a flood threat. The problem is that we own the river, but the county owns the bridge."

A county spokesman said: "We are working on Millgate bridge to replace the parapet and install measures to better manage the flow of water under the bridge.

"This should reduce the chances of silt building up to the same extent in the future and will make future clear-up operations easier.

"We are continuing discussions with the Environment Agency to agree a long-term solution to the issue."