Pipe-layers Transco are at last putting right a blunder that caused damage to a shop at Cross Hills.

The company laid a gas pipe under Main Street about four years ago. Foamed concrete used in the work got into a water pipe and blocked it, which caused flooding to the cellar of Richard Wellocks fruit and vegetable shop.

But the source of the problem was only discovered when North Yorkshire highways contractors dug up the road earlier this year to investigate. "People have been coming non-stop ever since I've reported it to the council and they're just sorting it out now," said proprietor Hazel Stott.

A Transco spokesman said: "It was only brought to our attention in April this year. Since then there have been discussions between the county council, ourselves and contractors." He said the contractors who laid the gas pipe no longer work for Transco.

Transco is now repairing the burst pipe while Norweb is laying a fibre optic communications network for businesses nation-wide.

Transco said work in Main Street was due to have finished by today and then work would continue in Glusburn for up to three weeks.

Traders had complained about traffic in Main Street coming to a halt because of temporary traffic lights serving the work.