A VILLAGE in the Yorkshire Dales that is regularly hit by flooding has been given cash to help resolve the problem.

For several months the residents of Thoralby, south of Aysgarth in the Upper Dales, have been working on a flood prevention scheme.

It will involve the levelling out and compacting of a stone track which will then be capped with concrete. Along with work to divert water into the main drain, the work should prevent flooding on the village street.

The £20,000 project has now received £10,000 from Richmondshire District Council’s Community Opportunities Fund, with the other £10,000 coming from Aysgarth and District Parish Council in match-funding.

Local district councillor Matthew Wilkes - who helped guide the COF application to success - said: “Thoralby has been blighted by flooding along Main Street and at the village hall for many years. As a past chairman of the hall committee I know what a vital part it plays not only in Thoralby but in the other Dales communities nearby.

“It was a pleasure to give this project my fullest support.”

District council leader Coun John Blackie added: “The COF was established to help beacon projects like this excellent example in Thoralby.

“I thank Aysgarth and District Parish Council for dipping heavily into its reserves - but without the aid of the COF grant the scheme could not have been as comprehensive as it now will be.”