WATER running off the road is flooding gardens and at least one household septic tank at Middleton on Leven, it is said.

A councillor from the hamlet says five households have been affected, bubbles can be seen rising from a manhole and there is a bad smell.

Residents are calling for action and Coun Mat McAdam is anxious to sort out the problem. But he says confusion over responsibility for a network of septic tanks and drains is creating further grief.

Coun McAdam told Rudby Parish Council: "Water is running into septic tanks from the road. The road drain cannot cope, and I think it is partly the responsibility of North Yorkshire County Council and Northumbrian Water."

Coun Caroline Seymour had spoken to county highways officer Mike Roberts about road drainage improvements. "It's on the list but there's no date. If you're having a problem with effluent, then you really need to get in touch with Northumbrian Water."

But Coun McAdam emphasised the village was not on the main sewers system. All the properties had private septic tanks.

Perhaps it was the homeowners' responsibility, suggested Coun Seymour. She understood landowners had obtained permission to put domestic drains into a road drain, which she said should not have been done.

The area had been looked at a few years ago by the county council and it did not think this issue was its responsibility. She repeated her belief that Northumbrian Water had some responsible.

Coun McAdam was unconvinced. "I've looked at this problem, as the councillor. I'm no expert but I'm getting grief about this.

"We have had three new houses built. It has been raised with planners. We don't pay sewerage (rates). It is run-off from the road that is causing problems for private properties.

"I'm concerned about the level of priority. If children got infected, it could be dangerous. We can see bubbles coming up from a manhole cover. It absolutely stinks.

"There are about five houses that are flooded right up to the front doors. I can guess which tank it is, but this needs experts."

It was agreed both councillors would again speak to the county council