Residents in Knaresborough have expressed concerns a new development close to their homes has increased the risk of flooding.

Several people living on The Chase contacted the Stray Ferret after a wet spell this month led to water from Frogmire Dike spilling into a garden shed.

The dike, a tributary of the River Nidd, used to flow through an underground pipe on land at the back of the properties.

But it was de-culverted in September last year and turned into an open watercourse as part of the 300-home Castle Gate development by Linden Homes at Manse Farm.

Residents say the dike is now struggling to cope with the volume of water caused by the protracted wet spell and run-off from the new development.

They also say the trench constructed to hold the water is eroding.

Representatives from Linden Homes were on site during the recent floods.

Richard Atkinson said there were sheep and horses on the land opposite when he bought his house as a newbuild in 1995. But the Castle Gate development, which is part of 1,000 homes being build in the area, changed that.

Mr Atkinson contacted North Yorkshire Council in January to see if the development that has taken place complied with planning regulations on flood prevention.

He said he and other residents were concerned about the proximity of the dike to their homes and erosion of the banks. He also wanted reassurance on how the issue will be managed long-term once Linden Homes vacates the development.

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said properties were at risk. They added:

'No threat to properties'

Ian Thornton, chief executive of the Swale and Ure Drainage Board, said:

A council spokesperson said:

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