ACTION on flooding, blocked culverts, potholes, dog fouling and blocked pavements is being sought by Bentham Town Council.

An "increasing number" of cars are parking on pavements, making it difficult for pedestrians, especially those with pushchairs, councillors heard.

Worsening subsidence at manholes and metal covers outside the Co-op grocery store and on Springfield, in High Bentham, was also flagged up at the council's December meeting. Members agreed to ask North Yorkshire County Council highways officers to look at the problem "as soon as possible".

They also decided to ask for blocked drains at Hillcroft and Station Road to be cleared, after winter flooding; and for potholes to be mended on the B6480 road between St John the Baptist Church and the railway bridge.

Craven District Council, meanwhile, is to be asked to look at partially silted-up culverts at Church Beck.

After winter flooding in Low Bentham, residents have asked for a sandbag store in the village. Bentham Town Council agreed it could provide a shed, potentially behind the Victoria Institute, if Craven District Council would stock it.

The state of a "very muddy and slippery" footpath between Hillside Road and Ellergill was noted by Bentham town councillors. They agreed they could improve the well-used route if landowners gave consent.

An extension to the footpath between Pye Busk and the bowling club is to be requested from the county council. Members heard a grassed stretch caused problems for elderly residents and bowlers.

They also noted that dog fouling was "on the increase again" on dark nights. The district council is to be asked to consider CCTV cameras to catch culprits.

RESOLVED: That NYCC Highways be asked to look at the potholes on the B6480 near St Johns