Property owners in Low Moor are at the end of their tether after cellars flooded for the second time in a week.

Residents of St Mark's Place and St Mark's Terrace woke up yesterday to find water gushing into cellars and lapping at their doorsteps.

It happened only days after one terrace house was urgently pumped out by Yorkshire Electricity as water levels reached the electricity box in the cellar.

But despite years of being deluged by floodwater, residents claim Yorkshire Water and Bradford Council are refusing to take responsibility.

Betty Feather, who has an old inspection tank in her back garden, said she was getting more frightened of the damage it could cause.

"I was so upset this morning as you could see water running down the garden and I was just waiting for it to come on to the carpets," she said.

"I was standing by the fridge in the kitchen and could hear it gushing into the cellar. My husband, Raymond, had to go out and dig up the garden to stop the water flooding the house, it was coming in so fast."

A resident in the street for more than 20 years, she claims the problems started when water from Royds Hall Reservoir was re-directed under the street after dams at the back of the houses were filled.

Twenty years ago, fire engines spent 24 hours pumping out houses along the street after torrential rain, but calls to the fire brigade last Thursday resulted in residents being told that would cost them £700.

A spokesman for the service confirmed that charges were made for some non-emergency calls because priorities were fire, rescue and humanitarian aid.

Resident Catherine Bentham said the water had sprung up through the cobbled road and flooded the end of the street so that neighbours had had trouble even getting out the door.

She said: "I had to take my daughter to nursery this morning as she was worrying about it. She asked me to lock the door and said, 'Mummy, I don't want water in my house'."

Living on an unadopted road, locals are now concerned they will end up footing the bill for extensive repair works.

A council spokesman said: "We are looking into the matter and will liaise with Yorkshire Water if necessary to try and help the residents.

"However, as this is an unadopted street, the residents may find that as property owners they are responsible, but our officers can provide help and advice if this is the case."

She added that residents could contact cleansing supervisor Paul Mudd on (01274) 753721 for further advice.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said the company would be making contact with the council and investigating the customer's complaint.

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