RESIDENTS say they are going "ducking crazy" after weeks of flooding on their estate.

A raft of rubber ducks have appeared in the floodwater at the entrance to Central Park, in Darlington as residents become increasingly fed-up at the situation.

Nicknamed "the pond", it is understood the flooding was caused by a pipe being damaged during roadworks, carried out in September.

Resident Matthew Grainger said he put the ducks on the water as a joke following weeks of frustration and said drainage on the estate had been a problem for several years.

Mr Grainger, who says he frequently avoids turning left at the junction – choosing instead to go right and use the roundabout – to avoid taking his car through the water, said: "There have been a fair few concerns about it.

"People call it the pond and were saying there would be ducks on it soon.

"I thought it was a bit of a joke and a laugh but it is an issue."

The Northern Echo:

His daughter Emily added: "It can get really deep. There's a pedestrian crossing as well but you can't really use it - you have to go onto Haughton Road. At times it probably covers your ankles.

"People are worried it is going to get colder and it's going to start icing over and it will get slippy."

Darlington Borough Council says it has been working with Northumbrian Water to understand the problem and says it hopes to carry out further investigations next week.

Councillor Mike Renton, who has received a number of complaints about the problem, said: “Many concerned residents and Darlington College workers have contacted me about our new water feature, which hasn’t been helped by the unusual amounts of heavy rain we have been experiencing lately.

The Northern Echo:

Floodwater on the estate, pictured yesterday Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

"The council is on the case, and we should see some improvements very soon, so thank you all for your patience.

"As for our yellow visitors, they have been contacted and know that they are free to float as long as they abide by social distancing guidelines, so please take care when driving through.”

Andy Keir, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “We are aware of the issue and have been working with Northumbrian Water to understand the problem.

"We are undertaking some further investigations on site this week which will hopefully lead to a solution.”