IMPROVEMENTS are being carried out to the highways drainage in a Richmondshire village to ease problems caused by flooding. Temporary traffic signals and a 30mph speed limit will be in place at the junction of the A6108 and Sedbury Lane End, north of Skeeby, and the work could take up to four weeks to complete.

"This is essential work on road safety grounds," said the county’s executive member for highways, John Fort.

"The work will ensure that surface water from the carriageway is able to drain away freely, which will reduce the potential for flooding in the mouth of the junction."

Meanwhile improvements worth around £190,000 are being carried out to the road surface on Melmerby Green Lane at Melmerby, near Ripon.

The work began on January 19, and is expected to last up to four weeks during which period the road will be closed.

Coun Fort said: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this closure. However, the work will ensure that the road is safer for both motorists and pedestrians."