homeowners have hit out at a lack of action from the Environment Agency after houses were once again threatened by flooding.

The River Derwent burst its banks last week, reaching the green in Old Malton, North Yorkshire.

But residents were furious when the agency took no action to install temporary flood barriers which were tested in the area last year.

Dave Beck, chef at the Royal Oak pub, said: "We really thought it was going to flood again and a lot of residents were very worried."

However, a spokesman for the agency insisted there was no threat to homes and therefore no measures were taken.

Meanwhile, councillors in York will be urged tonight by Rawcliffe and Skelton member, Councillor Mark Waudby, to press the Government for urgent action to help protect the city from flooding.