Liberal Democrats at North Yorkshire County Council today demanded to know why the ruling Conservatives have cut routine gulley clearing from twice a year to only once.

This is in spite of the heavy rainfall which caused horrendous flooding in Craven last month.

The Tory portfolio holder, Cllr John Fort, said that the whole area was being looked at, but did not promise a restoration of previous service levels.

Airedale County Councillor Mark Wheeler, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats at County Hall, comments:

“Cutting this service is an abdication of responsibility. The Tory Council is failing local residents.”

“With climate change likely to increase the amount of flood risk in future, surely the County Council should be increasing the amount of gulley clearing, not decreasing it.”

“I can only hope that when this matter is looked at again, common sense will prevail and the Council will properly fund this vital service.”