DETAILS of flood prevention and protection activities along the River Wharfe have been announced by the Environment Agency.

The organisation issued the information this week in an update to MPs about "our work to reduce the impact of flooding in communities across the Wharfe catchment".

The document gives comprehensive details about both forthcoming action and measures that have already been taken along the river, from Bolton Abbey in the north right down to Ulleskelf, near Tadcaster.

Setting out the extent of the challenge, it says: "In December the River Wharfe experienced its highest flow levels on record.

"Over 150 properties flooded, including 79 in Tadcaster. More than 20 other communities across the catchment were affected, with Collingham, Otley, Ulleskelf and Kirkby Wharfe amongst those worst hit.

"Our work continues to prepare communities in the Wharfe catchment to minimise the effects of flooding in the future."

Pointing out that its work is part of a wider effort that also involves local authorities and Yorkshire Water, it adds: "We are prioritising our efforts, working with the worst affected communities.

"For example, we are working with our partners to review flood protection offered to affected communities focusing on Otley, Collingham and Tadcaster."

Otley was one of the worst affected local areas last year, when some 50 homes on Bridge Avenue and Farnley Lane were flooded

The Environment Agency ranks the risk of flooding in the town as high, with 300 properties at risk - though only 187 of those have so far registered for its free flood warnings direct service.

It says: "Inspections and clearing of culverts have been undertaken in Otley as part of the recovery works after the December, 2015 floods.

"Further culvert inspections in conjunction with Leeds City Council will identify any issues so these can be fed into the requirements for a larger scheme.

"Bids are being developed for the funding of future flood alleviation works across the catchment (which) could benefit the community of Otley."

Rachelle Atkin's Bridge Avenue home flooded on December 26, 2015, and she and her family have only recently moved back in.

She said: "It is good to see the work that has been done and the work that will continue into next year and beyond.

"For me it would be good to see what the overall ‘action plan’ is for the Wharfe Valley, ie if the same rainfall comes in 2016 as it did on Boxing Day, 2015 have the EA and Leeds done enough to ensure Bridge Ave and Farnley Lane, and other areas along the river, do not flood?

"I suppose the proof is in the pudding. We will see what this Winter brings and I am sure we will all be keeping everything crossed."

Other activities taking place in Otley include:

*Work to recruit flood wardens to liaise between the Environment Agency and the community

*Reviewing, with local councils, emergency services and residents, the community emergency plan - due to be completed in December

*An option to use part of a £50,000 flood reduction payment, working with Leeds, to tackle surface water in Otley.

The agency has also allocated £6,000 to carry out maintenance along the river, including clearing debris and grass cutting, over this financial year.

Ilkley didn't experience the same level of flooding as Otley last year but is still regarded as at high risk, with 259 homes vulnerable.

Works undertaken there since the Boxing Day floods have included repairs to Backstone Beck's banks, while inspections of culverts in the Denton Road area are ongoing so that any potential blockages can be removed.

Addingham, meanwhile, is rated at low risk of flooding with about 250 properties at risk.

The Environment Agency's work there has included repositioning gravel in Town Beck and it is also working on proposals to reduce the impact of flooding.