BRACKNELL’S MP has thrown his support behind residents who had to protect their homes from flooding.

As reported in last week’s News, homeowners in Bulbrook Drive had to use their own pumps to divert water and raw sewage away from their houses.

Dr Phillip Lee spoke to those affected – who claim it has happened four times in the last 15 years – on Friday, and has vowed to try to help.

He said: “I visited several Bullbrook residents to see for myself the damage caused by recent flooding.

“I was shocked to discover that this was the fourth occasion on which sewerage has flooded into people’s privately-owned homes.

“I am writing to Thames Water, asking for an explanation as to their lack of intervention in this avoidable issue.

“I am also writing to Bracknell Forest Council to ask whether there is any way in which they can assist in the clear-up of the mess left in people’s back gardens. I hope this issue gets sorted promptly.” One of the residents, Josephine Lewington, 74, was helped by her son David and daughter Tracy for nine hours to keep the house dry.

David said: “I was very grateful that Phillip came round and was willing to help out and he seemed positive.

“He was very helpful – he sat down and listened to us and in his mind it was clear it is down to the water board.

“I’d also like to thank the News for highlighting the problem last week and hopefully it will be sorted.” Sarah Sharpe, from Thames Water, said the company is working to fix the problem.

She said: “We have been in close contact with Mr Lewington and had an engineer out there last week.

“Unfortunately we need to wait for water levels to reduce before we can put a camera down the sewer. We are hopeful that by next week levels will have dropped and we hope to have someone out there.”