RESIDENTS whose homes were flooded with sewage-contaminated water in Hartlepool are being asked to share their experiences with council officers.

Hartlepool Borough Council's environment and regeneration scrutiny forum hopes their stories can be used to highlight the extent of the recurring problem to Northumbrian Water.

Householders are being asked to write or e-mail the council with details of their flooding misery and to send in photographs or videos.

The issue was raised at a meeting of the scrutiny forum last week following the latest flooding problems in the south of the town, particularly Seaton Carew and the Fens, on August 20.

People spoke of their frustrations and renewed calls for urgent action to prevent future problems.

The forum agreed that Northumbrian Water should be invited to attend a public meeting and talks sought with industry watchdog OFWAT. It also called on departing MP Peter Mandelson to raise the issue at government level.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, chairwoman of the forum, said: "This forum has already investigated the issue of flooding at some length, and the council has acted upon our recommendations. It is now time for Northumbrian Water to explain to the people of Hartlepool what actions they have taken.

"It is completely unacceptable that people should be left with their homes covered in filth and their valuable possessions ruined."

People can write with their experiences to Deborah Carrington, the council's scrutiny manager, at Hartlepool Council, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8AY or call (01429) 284281.