A permanently flooded road has isolated part of Draughton - leaving residents stranded and villagers unable to pass through a beauty spot.

Residents say the flood, on a wide bridleway near St Augustine's Church, has been caused by blocked culverts long neglected by the County Council's highways department.

And villagers living on the Draughton side of the water can no longer take the picturesque walk through to Bolton Abbey.

Graham Ross had to swap his Jaguar for an all-terrain vehicle after he moved into Field House Farm several years ago.

He says his young son Matthew and his friends can't get through to play on the lane as they used to, and ramblers and horse riders who used to stop at his farmhouse for tea have stopped coming.

Graham said: "A woman rambler broke her ankle trying to get through the deep flood, because she couldn't see the uneven ground under the surface.

"I pay nearly £1,200 in council tax and what do I get from it? I have to take my own rubbish away because the wagon couldn't get down here."

Builder Stephen Binks, who intends to move his family into the area by Christmas, added: "The Council said they would contribute ten per cent of the cost of repairs, but it's their responsibility. I've even offered the use of my equipment.

"It's all a real shame because this is the old road through to Bolton Abbey and used to bring a lot of pleasure to walkers."

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