FINGERS crossed, the flood hit residents of Castley could have experienced the river coming into their homes for the last time.

Having got planning permission from Harrogate Borough Council and the go -ahead from the Environment Agency, only the approval of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) remains for work to start on the flood If everything goes to plan, work will start next month and then the poor people of Castley Lane, flooded out so many times, can finally start thinking about living permanently downstairs.

l The Otley Maypole Restoration Project is moving on apace with supporters now into the final stage before work begins. The site of the original maypole, in Manchester Square, opposite the Civic Centre, will be restored to its original glory - as a designated area for community dancing and a place where the town's two Morris dancing sides can focus all their activities.

Morris dancing might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the Buttercross Belles and Otley Wayzgoose are very much part of the town. The transformation of the square will be a credit to them and to the town council. They've been given £21,000 from the Local Heritage Initiative and, along with promises of work in kind almost have enough. Now, they are asking people to hand over a 'fiver' for a stone sett and take a part in restoring an important historical piece of the town. It's not much to ask.

l It's not long now before the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Compared to the Silver Jubilee, there doesn't seem to be a great deal of enthusiasm - 25 years ago dozens of street parties were planned and groups and organisations knew just how they were going to mark the historical event. Unless things speed up, the Golden Jubilee may end up as big a flop as the Millennium.

l It was good to see so many people rallying around to make their particular areas look good for the arrival of the Yorkshire in Bloom judges. It doesn't take a lot to clean up the immediate area around our houses and the difference it makes really shows.

Let's hope all the hard work reflects in the marks for the Spring round of judging.