A FATHER today demanded something be done to stop his home being flooded by water, slugs and worms every time it rains and said: "I cannot take much more."

Charles Anthony Perkins moved into his rented home in Bridgefield Close, Rishton, two years ago but said he has problems because the front door lets water in.

Contractors have been out to the problem three times but Mr Perkins claims the door has been patched up when it should have been replaced.

Mr Perkins, 57, had a stroke seven years ago and has suffered from depression ever since.

He is now claiming long term invalidity benefit. He said the added strain of living in the house is also putting pressure on his relationship with his two children.

"This situation had me in tears last week because it has got so bad.

"Rain is coming in through the door when it rains which leaves the carpet soaking wet and worms and slugs are coming in as well from the lawns. The carpet stinks because of this and I cannot put up with more of this.

"At this rate I will end up in Queens Park Hospital as I cannot take much more. It has really got on top of me and I am feeling the worse now than I ever have done.

"My health is suffering and I am frightened that I will have another stroke as a result."

Mr Perkins moved to the three-bedroom house from Great Harwood when he got custody of his two children Suzanne, 13, and Len, 10. He and his wife separated 10 years ago.

But the bug-infested floods which follow heavy rain is taking its toll on his nerves and causing him to snap at the children.

He said: "I am throwing about half a dozen worms out of the house every day when it is bad. It is making me bad tempered with the children and I have found myself snapping at them because of the stress."

A spokesman for Eaves Brook housing association, which rents the house to Mr Perkins, said the door had already been replaced once since the houses were built in 1999.

The spokesman added that repairs had also been made recently and contractors were due to visit again to determine the extent of the problem with the door.

She added that if inspectors decided a new carpet was needed one would be fitted.

Ann Scaife, Rishton ward councillor, visited Mr Perkins yesterday and has spoken to Eaves Brook on his behalf.

She said: "We want an early result to this problem and I hope to arrange a meeting with them today."