COUNCIL and water company bosses have vowed to do more to tackle flooding after Rishton residents were left counting the cost for the fifth time in two years.

People in Spring Street were hit during the deluge across East Lancashire last weekend despite flood prevention work six months ago.

Some residents have faced the misery of clearing up after floods to their homes regularly for several years.

But Hyndburn Council leaders and water company United Utilities promised to do all they could to tackle the problems.

One resident, Paul Barton, said he would be forced to board up his property and move elsewhere as he could not face any more problems.

He said he is not able to get home insurance, because claims for flooding had become too regular.

But he said: "This happened four times to us last year and we were promised it would not happen again. Now it has happened again."

Nearby Spring Street resident, Frank Moran, said: "It was just like a river coming through the house. It came up to the top of the skirting board and we are in a bit of a mess now."

A spokesman for United Utilities denied any assurances about flooding had been given and said work six months ago had been successful. had been given and said: "Work has been carried out about six months ago as a temporary solution to reduce the frequent flooding in that area, which has been successful.

Friday's weather had been exceptional and they would make what improvements they could.

"The weather on Friday was quite exceptional which caused the flash flooding. We have been working with the council, which is also responsible for the highway drainage, and will make improvements where we can."

A spokesperson for Hyndburn Council pledged to push for more work to be done but major spending would be the responsibility of United Utilities. and added: "On Friday evening council works staff worked until midnight responding to the 130 calls and were out again early on Saturday morning. The council currently has 84 cases confirmed of internal flooding of property but we have had hundreds of phone calls about other problems and the list is still growing.

"If major capital expenditure is required this is out if our hands as it is the responsibility of United Utilities. This is the case around Spring Street, Rishton, and Thwaites Road, Oswaldtwistle."

Coun Ian Ormerod, leader of the council, said: "I sympathise with anyone who has been flooded. It must be horrendous."