HOPES are running high that a new ditch dug into a farmer's field in Hurworth will prevent further flood misery for a handful of residents.

But questions remain as to whether the work will have any effect on flooding further along the village.

Heavy rain across the region in June of last year took its toll on Hurworth as drains struggled to cope. Five bungalows in Friars Pardon were particularly affected when water pouring off a field behind them was unable to soak away.

Instead, it rushed to fill their gardens and homes.

One of the worst affected was Mr Arthur Trees. Water seeped through a conservatory and into a lounge, ruining carpets and furniture.

Angered, he took a petition around his neighbours asking for their support to ask the Agricultural Land Tribunal to investigate the field.

"A representative came out and luckily saw the field in flood," Mr Trees told the D&S Times. "He believed there was a need for a good clear ditch to be dug at the bottom of the field which backed on to all five bungalows.

"The water would then soak away through a silt trap in the corner of the field."

Landowners, the Bedburn Trust, and the tenant farmer at Glebe View Farm were issued with orders to carry out the work, but foot-and-mouth restrictions delayed its start.

Four months later heavy rain brought further misery when Mr Trees' conservatory flooded again

In November of last year and again this March, rain flooded the road in Friars Pardon and the fire brigade was called out on both occasions to pump it away.

By July this year, agreement had been reached between the Bedburn Trust and tenant farmer Mr Terence Fidell to share the cost of clearing a drain, digging a new ditch and erecting fencing to prevent animals from falling in.

By August the work was completed. An inspector from the Department for the Environment was expected to call shortly to approve the scheme.

But doubt remains whether the ditch will have any effect on flooding on the green or in Glebe Lane.

Mr Trees added: "Water comes down the field and for the moment goes around the side of our houses.

"But nobody has been able to answer: Where does it go from there? No-one is sure whether this ditch will solve flooding in Glebe Lane or water backing up in the drains along Friars Pardon. There is also a connection between flooding here and on the green.

"I expect the next heavy rain will give us all the answer."

Northumbrian Water is now awaiting the go-ahead from the government to allow them access to the field.

The firm hopes cameras placed in the drainage system will show where it leads to