RESIDENTS in Darwen today demanded to know why more was not done to prevent the floods that damaged their homes - despite a warning two years ago.

Houses in Bowling Green Close were badly hit in Thursday's storms but locals said it could have been avoided if the area's drainage system had been improved.

Worst affected was 79-year-old Sarah Armitage, who was so shocked by the damage she was rushed to hospital with chest pains.

Sarah has now been discharged and is staying with relatives but her son Bernard said she could not return home.

He said: "She doesn't want to come back because of the mess. There is a thick layer of mud in every room and her new carpet and settee are ruined.

"When I arrived she was sitting in her living room with water around her ankles. I just hope that now something will be done about it."

Neighbour Audrey Whittaker, 67, added: "Flooding has been a concern since the last one. Someone's going to have to do something."

A spokesman for North British Housing, which part-owns the homes in Bowling Green Close, said: "We are aware of the flooding. Although it is not our responsibility we do take it seriously and hopefully the problem will be resolved soon. We are investigating and alternative accommodation is being offered to those affected by the floods."

Coun Karimeh Foster said: "The council did a lot of work to the culvert last time it flooded but I have been told it was the same thing again this time and the culvert was blocked with logs and bits of branches.

"I am hoping to call an emergency scrutiny meeting about this as it needs sorting out. People can't afford to keep losing money like this."

An Environment Agency spokesman said that if the culverts was being blocked, it would fall under the remit of the council to unblock them.

The council has previously worked with the owner of the land to try and resolve the problem.

Peter Hunt, director of direct services, said: "The culverts in question are not on council land and, as such, it is not our responsibility to keep them clear.

"We are, however, currently involved in the clear-up of the areas involved and we will give whatever advice and help we can to those affected"