Bad drainage homes flooded twice in six months

The houses in Blyth, where the developer says it is "aware of issues" with drainage, were previously flooded in April

Residents hit by flooding in April are facing another clear up in a street hit by known issues with drains.

More than 10 properties on Bates Avenue in the Tallie Drive area of Blyth flooded on Tuesday, with locals describing the scene as "devastating".

Housing developer Gleeson said it was "aware of issues" with the drainage system, while Northumbrian Water said it was upgrading the sewers.

But one resident said of the latest flood: "It feels like a bad dream as my wife and five-day-old baby were upstairs at the time. It's been incredibly traumatic."

Northumberland County Council is yet to comment.

Kerry Forster was meant to move back in to her house this weekend following repairs from the last flood

Kerry Forster, who had been living in different accommodation since the April flood, was meant to move back home this weekend.

"We had new carpets fitted Monday, new flooring, radiators, the kitchen, it's all going to have to be replaced," she said.

"It’s devastating, we just don’t feel safe to live here as you don't know if it will flood with the slightest bit of rain."

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said he had also just installed new carpets and furniture.

"Just when we were trying to rebuild we’ve lost everything again in a night," he said.

Ten houses were flooded earlier this week

Neither the housing developer nor the water company detailed the exact issues affecting drainage at the site, or explained why floods had hit for a second time this year.

Residents say they have been left unsure if or when another flood will hit.

A spokesperson Gleeson said it was "aware of issues relating to the existing drainage system which has caused problems during recent extreme weather conditions".

They added investigations had been carried out "to ensure all works have been installed correctly and in accordance with the required planning and building standards".

A spokesperson for Northumbrian Water said the area was susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall "due to the complexity of drainage and tidal impacts" in the area.

"We are investing £4m in upgrading the sewer network at this location in order to reduce the risk of this happening again and this work should be completed by the end of the year," the spokesperson said.