A temporary flood defence scheme could be used to hold back rising waters in one of the region's cities.

York could be the first place in the country to test the scheme, to protect the Clementhorpe area, which suffered severely in 2000.

A 1.5-metre barrier would be placed along the street at times of high water levels.

The plastic structure, worth between £120,000 and £150,000, has been offered to the city council for a free test by Derbyshire-based Aquabarrier.

It is one of a number of temporary flood defence solutions to be discussed by the council's ruling executive next week.

Councillors will consider a study carried out by council engineers on how to protect the city in the interim period while the Environment Agency prepares its strategic work plans for 2005 to 2015.

Executive member for the environment, Councillor Andrew Waller, said: "This is a first for York. The work is being paid for by Aquabarrier.

"They wanted a location to test the product and this is a way of the council demonstrating that we are looking for solutions for defending the area."

If approved it is thought that the barrier could be ready for use in the New Year.