A CIVIL engineer has come up with an action pack aimed at solving some of Northallerton's severe flooding problems.

Robert Thorniley-Walker says the problem is now urgent and he says his ideas could cost as little as £100,000 to implement.

Mr Thorniley-Walker is a director of Structural and Civil Consultants, which has premises at the top of the High Street, and has worked on major flood relief schemes such as the Thames Barrier.

He said: "Historically, the town has often flooded but not for several decades. The streetscape has evolved without consideration of the problem, which is now back with a vengeance."

He said his low-cost ideas could alleviate some of the worst of the flooding. "It could make quite a difference," he said. "And it would cost very little compared to the damage which is being caused.

"I want to see these simple measures started as soon as possible. Several could be done almost immediately to lower the level of flooding."

The main points of his scheme include:

* looking at ways of allowing Sun Beck to flood in a more constructive way, taking water out of town without creating a huge lake 1.3m deep to the north of the town hall.

* reducing the depth of the 'lake' by five inches just by moving the sleeping policeman outside Fired Earth in either direction by 10m.

* reducing the level of the access road from the Applegarth by around 300mm to give a direct exit for the floodwater.

* re-instating steel grids over open stretches of the culvert so water can bypass any obstacles blocking the culvert below and return to spare capacity after the blockage.

* removing the vacant infill shop built on the old route of the beck. The timber shop front provides a barrier, trapping water in the High Street. Mr Thorniley-Walker says flooding could be reduced by a further 200mm.

* checking the design of drainage in the estates. Some manholes are said to be acting as fountains.

Mr Thorniley-Walker also calls for the fire service to be assisted by professional civilian back-up during a flood.

The Mayor of Northallerton, Coun Jack Dobson, said action was being taken. "Things are happening, most certainly," he said.

"But this is a huge problem to deal with. You are looking at the total water course and it will involve a great amount of work."

He appealed for patience but accepted that it was an emotive issue for those who have been flooded.