A SPORTS club in Harrogate came close to a flooding disaster as thousands of gallons of water swept across its land.

A burst water main in nearby Leadhall Lane, off Leeds Road, sent a torrent of water beneath buildings at Harrogate Racquets Club and through the foundations of two homes, flooding gardens and garages.

Leadhall Lane was also flooded, leaving a sheet of ice three inches thick across the carriageway.

It was the third burst pipe to affect the lane in the space of three days.

Yorkshire Water said the area had been suffering from problems of low water pressure.

Because of this, water had been diverted from other areas into the local pipes.

The high-pressure water found weak spots in the pipework, causing the bursts.

Water pressure has now been reduced to prevent further bursts following extensive excavations in the area.

Two homes in Leadhall Lane were left with water lapping their doorsteps.

One resident affected by the flooding was Harrogate councillor Cliff Trotter.

He said: "It was just a few weeks ago that we were saying how lucky we were to escape flooding in an area like ours, and then this happens."