A man who saw his bungalow awash in a foot of water after the freak floods blamed blocked drains today.

Don Baldock, 75, of Highfield Close, Westcliff, claimed the drains had not been cleared for three years.

He added: "The drains were unable to cope with the volume of water as they have become blocked over the years.

"My bungalow was badly flooded and all my carpets ruined. They have been ripped up and are waiting to be taken away."

Mr Baldock, who lives with his wife Betty, 71, said he had tried and failed to find out which utility company was responsible for the drains.

An Anglian Water official said it was responsible for sewage drains. Highways agencies and drainage boards were responsible for surface water drains.

Published Wednesday August 14, 2002

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