A Skipton landowner wants to help eliminate risk of flooding by diverting water around his land into a small reservoir.

An old access road to Steve Cuthbert's land above Whinny Gill Reservoir was completely washed away by the Skipton floods of 1982, which claimed the life of a pensioner.

He says a simple ditch channelling rainwater through the 32-acre site and into the neighbouring Jenny Gill Reservoir could help prevent the same happening again.

The move could also improve Yorkshire Water's supply levels during drought conditions, said Mr Cuthbert.

He said he approached the authorities with his idea several years ago, and was "passed from pillar to post". But he would like to try again now that he is trying to create a pleasant thoroughfare across to Draughton on his land, known as Vicker's Allotment.

Yorkshire Water, which operates Jenny Gill Reservoir, has said they would look into any plans the Gargrave-based ex-teacher and farmer has.

Mr Cuthbert added: "My proposals are quite simple; to put a ditch in the ground and run it down the gradient of the hill, changing to a buried pipe which would carry the water down to Jenny Gill. It would simply flow down into Jenny Gill before going on into Whinny Gill using the existing network of pipes.''

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said Jenny Gill Reservoir was still operating and they would look into Mr Cuthbert's plans.

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