Folk living on Searby Road and nearby Sotheby Road want to know why £250,000 set aside to put a stop to the problem has been taken away –– which they say will leave residents vulnerable to flooding.

They claim their homes always flood when the heavens open because a nearby dyke and fields cannot hold the water.

Said Searby Road resident Doreen Hayfield said: "We had a hydraulic survey done at a cost of £10,000 but were then told that because there had been no flooding, the funding would be diverted elsewhere.

"I have rung the council and have been told that there is no money available — but they can afford to spend the money bringing the Sugababes to Ashfield Show. I like the show, but these are people's homes and many of the people living here are elderly.

"After the survey, the drain system was going to be built properly through the field at cross angles. It's not an easy job, but there was the funding available."

The group –– which has been campaigning for eight years for work to be carried out –– has the backing of Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon.

Said Pat Beardsley, who has lived on Searby Road for 48 years: "I am not happy — it has gone on so long the less likely anything will be done.

"When it rains, the water comes onto our property and sometimes mud from the field."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Ashfield District Council said: "An amount was initially included in the Capital Programme, but due to a reduction in the amount of available funding, it was removed when considered against other areas of spend.

"We are aware of the problems in the area and it is regularly monitored during times of heavy rainfall and we provide sand bags if required."