RIVER authority officers are interested in an Otley businessman's plan to build a flood barrier at the scene of drowning tragedy.

The Environment Agency has said it will consider a plan by Stuart Thompson, who runs a haulage company on East Chevin Road, to build a barrier free of charge at Castley, near Pool-in-Wharfedale.

The village was the scene of tragedy five years ago, when swollen waters claimed the life of 67-year-old Clifford Greenwood. Mr Greenwood drowned in his living room, as flood water surged through the house on Castley Lane.

Following another serious flood in the area last June, Mr Thompson said he wanted to give something back to the community, and stop any more potentially lethal flooding, by building a flood barrier.

Mr Thompson believed the plan had been rejected by the Environment Agency, after he was told it would look again at the idea in two years' time.

He said: "If we wait two years there'll be more deaths."

But a spokesman this week said the Agency was prepared to consider Mr Thompson's plan as soon as he provides more details.

The spokesman said: "We have indicated that we are interested what this gentleman has to say. We have asked him to supply further details in writing."

He said any company proposing to carry out such a flood prevention scheme would have to provide proof of being a credible construction firm with a proven track record in construction work.

l Villagers in Castley braced themselves for another flood last week as river levels rose.

Some residents feared the swollen River Wharfe was about to burst its banks after heavy rainfall last Thursday night and in the early hours of Friday.

However, the Environment Agency said no homes in the village flooded, despite the high river levels.