DOZENS OF householders and business people in St Andrews spent yesterday mopping up as a result of flooding caused by torrential overnight rain.

A number of properties were badly affected and Fife Council workmen were called out to assist in the clean-up operation.

One of the worst hit areas was in Lamberton Place, where a number of householders awoke to find several inches of mud, straw and debris in their gardens and in the street.

It left at least one disabled resident housebound, while other elderly people had to rely on neighbours to assist in the clean-up.

The muddy water flooded into gardens, garages and under the foundations of some of the properties causing damage estimated at thousands of pounds.

In the town centre a businesswoman is seriously considering her future after her hairdressing salon was flooded with water and raw sewage, which she said was “now a regular occurrence.”

Wilma Dunn was forced to cancel all her clients for at least 48 hours.

She said, “I have to call out Scottish Water at least once every month because of blocked drains. However, this is the worst ever.

“I am disgusted by the whole episode and I am seriously thinking of packing it in.

“I just can’t go on like this. I have had to cancel all my appointments today and tomorrow and will need to get in professional cleaners.”

In Braid Crescent several gardens were partially washed away by rainwater flooding off fields.

Pensioner Robert Welch said yesterday, “This has been going on for 25 years and nothing has been done.

“The rainwater and mud has run off the fields and a culvert behind our houses has become blocked and then overflowed.

“My garage was filled with several inches of mud, but thankfully it didn’t get into my house. However, my next door neighbour hasn’t been so lucky and the water is into the foundations.”

Mr Welch said that while he could accept the weather conditions were “exceptional” on this occasion, it did not detract from the fact that the area suffered every time there was heavy or prolonged rain.

Neighbour Brian Rumgay added, “The water has got through the air bricks and under my home. The council must do something to protect us.

“The sheer force of the water knocked over a wheelie bin full of rubbish. It took me almost four hours to clear up the mud from my garden.

“However, it is the fact that the floodwater has penetrated my home that causes me worries, although my insurance company has assured me that I am covered.”

He added that following a previous flood, another resident required to have his flooring ripped up and replaced after water got under the house.

A resident of Braid Crescent spoke of seeing water running through the back gardens “like a river.”

She added, “It was unbelievable and has washed away our gardens, leaving more than a foot of mud.”

Councillor Bill Sangster, who visited the scene at Lamberton Place, said later, “This has to be sorted out once and for all. It appears that the drainage system is inadequate and cannot cope in storm conditions.

“This flooding from the fields has been happening for 25 years and we must rectify the problem. I will be calling for an urgent meeting to discuss it.”

Fellow St Andrews councillor Robin Waterston added, “I was shocked to see the extent of the damage caused to gardens and houses in Lamberton Place.

“This has to be tackled as a matter of urgency.”