RESIDENTS of the North Yorkshire village of Sinnington, near Kirkbymoorside, have launched a project to clean out the River Seven.
Each Sunday morning, up to 35 people armed with saws, ropes and other equipment, are clearing the river of vegetation which they say was the cause of the floods which hit scores of homes last August.
Bill Baldwin, chairman of the parish council, said: "Much of the vegetation has grown up over the past 20 years because nothing has been done."
As a result, blockages have occurred leading to flooding.
Mr Baldwin added: "We were careful to make sure we didn't remove any trees which could de-stabilise the bank sides.
"The response from the village has been marvellous because people are so worried that unless something was done to clear the river, we could be hit by floods again."
John Greenway, Ryedale's MP, praised the Sinnington initiative. He said: "It is an excellent example of self-help in a rural community."
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