A DESPAIRING householder who has suffered ten years of flood misery has slammed a council for dragging its feet over a drainage problem.

Margaret Basnett says when it rains it takes only ten minutes for her garden, driveway and front path to be flooded.

Her lawn is left littered with debris, paving flags are insecure and she lives in fear of water gushing into her home.

She is a resident of Lynwood Avenue, Clayton-le-Moors, on a corner where rainwater sweeps down her drive.

Her home is the only one to be affected. The drains are not blocked, just insufficient to cope.

She has complained to Hyndburn Borough Council several times during the past ten years with some success.

In 1989 a second gully was added and in September 1996 they cleared out the pipes. But Mrs Basnett said the problem has never been completely solved and the flooding has been as bad as ever during recent heavy downpours.

Following two complaints after showers on Saturday and one on Tuesday council workers put down sandbags and promised they would take action on the pipes within a month.

But Mrs Basnett said: "After ten years of suffering, how can I be convinced that this time they will finally put a stop to it?

"I can't relax when it's raining, wondering if it's going to flood my house. The water pours down the drive like a river.

"All credit to the council as they do respond when I call, but the flooding is never sorted out and I've just had enough."

A spokesperson for Hyndburn Council said: "We are aware of the problem and have twice taken action to try to prevent it.

"Obviously those measured have not been successful so the authority is hoping to start construction work to put in new pipework within the month."

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