COUNCIL chiefs in Hartlepool have launched a month-long blitz on blocked drains following the misery caused by recent flooding.

Carpets and soft furnishings were soaked when water seeped into properties last month as flash floods left a trail of chaos across the borough.

Now the local authority is giving priority to the clearance of blocked or partially-blocked gullies for the next month.

Members of the public are being urged to report any problems with the drains in their neighbourhoods so the council can draw up a comprehensive list of areas requiring attention.

Hartlepool Borough Council's head of technical services Ian Parker said: "There are a number of reasons for the blockages. "Sometimes we are unable to complete a cleansing round if, for example, a parked car is blocking access to a drain.

"In such cases, we have to go back and this can disrupt our operations, meaning that some gullies don't get cleaned as often as they should.

"To prevent this happening in the future, we are looking to introduce a system of warning residents in advance of gully cleaning operations so that they can move their cars."

Other reasons for blockages include engineering problems due to the age of some drains and, in some cases, people sweeping cement and other DIY debris down the nearest gully.

The council intends to resume its cyclical cleansing service next month but will also review the situation at the end of the month-long campaign to decide whether there is a need to continue clearing blocked drains.

The blitz was launched following recent meetings which make up part of an investigation into the long-standing flooding problems which affect parts of the town.

Councillor Moss Boddy, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration and the economy, said: "This is an example of how we are committed to listening to local people and, wherever possible, responding to their concerns quickly and effectively.

"Hopefully, all the urgent work will be carried out over the next month. This will tackle problems that are occurring in a number of areas of the town. There will be a planned maintenance programme to ensure the problems do not return."

To report a drainage problem, telephone (01429) 523333.