A WEEK after the flood waters across the Vale subsided, some residents have been left dealing with the aftermath.

A group of householders in Naunton Beauchamp, near Pershore, have been cleaning out their homes, which they say flooded unnecessarily.

Fiona Mitchell was one of the unlucky two whose homes off Main Road was damaged. She said: “It was down to a collapsed drain that the council knew about.

We started to have problems on Wednesday, November 21.

The workmen came out and told us there was a problem with the village drain, it had collapsed. Then we flooded on the Saturday, November 24. It came 1.5ft through the ground floor. It is so frustrating and upsetting.”

The problems come despite some of the residents spending £30,000 on improvements to drainage in the area.

Steve and Sandra Brand, whose home was also flooded, said the whole thing had ruined their Christmas. Mr Brand said: “We had about six to seven inches of water.

It has ruined our Christmas.”

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s customer and community manager for highways, said: “We are working with our colleagues in Wychavon District Council and the landowners to clear and fully investigate the drainage around these properties.

Once this has been undertaken we will be in a much better position to advise on a future fix.”

Another couple narrowly avoided a flood disaster after the Northwick Hotel, Evesham, where they had planned to marry, was flooded.

Fiona Campbell and Gareth Richards ended up holding their reception at the Wood Norton. Sallie Campbell, mother of the bride, phoned the hotel on Monday, November 26.

She said: “To our delight they could do it. The staff made what could have been a real disaster into a truly wonderful day.”

Meanwhile in Evesham’s Waterside a £100,000 flood protection system paid for by residents and installed in 2001/02 prevented flooding.

Ronald Briggs, chairman of the Waterside flood defence trust, said: “The river reached 3.96m. In 2007 the barriers gave us time, this year they protected us.”

Following the problems suffered by Evesham the town’s MP, Peter Luff, is writing to the Environment Agency asking them to consider flood defences for the town.

Over in Pershore the Riverside Youth Centre also avoided damage, but three picnic benches were lost. Alex Mellor, centre development manager, asked people to call 01386 554713 if they are found.