RESIDENTS in the twin communities of Scalby and Newby, near Scarborough, have backed their parish council to finance an independent survey on a riverside bank restoration scheme.

The Environment Agency has come under fire from residents and councillors because of the state of the bank at Scalby Beck weir following flood damage.

Councillor Derek Bastiman, vice-chairman of the parish council and a Scarborough Town Council member, said "There is a great deal of anger about the state in which the bankside has been left.

"It is not only a dreadful eyesore, but also a potential death trap from children. We believe the Agency's work is second rate."

He said that he was particularly concerned about the safety of children who were likely to be attracted to the beck this summer because large stones had been left in the bed at the bottom of the weir at a spot where two youngsters were drowned several years ago.

An agency spokeswoman said the stabilisation work was done because of a partial collapse of the structure caused by riverbank erosion. She said it was envisaged that the stone-filled baskets would silt up over time. She said the river was fenced off to deter children. However, a risk assessment would be carried out and action taken if necessary.