VALLEYS council is facing an investigation after residents blamed repair work for causing a flood which left them with thousands of pounds worth of damage to their properties.

The Local Government Ombudsman is investigating the complaint against Caerphilly council after the flood in Hall Street in April.

Two homes and a business on Hall Street, Blackwood, had several inches of filthy water come under their doors when a culvert became blocked.

The incident caused several thousands of pounds worth of damage and the flood water even washed away a new pavement.

The recently refurbished Islwyn Crystals had to cease trading for several days while a sodden wooden floor was replaced.

The incident followed re-surfacing work on the road as part of the Hall Street Square Development.

Residents claim the work carried out put them at risk of flooding during heavy rains.

An independent assessment carried out by a chartered civil and structural engineer has backed up these fears and residents now believe Caerphilly council should amend the drainage system and pay out compensation.

As part of the complaint submitted to the local government ombudsman, residents have also brought up the council's lack of consultation and delays during the construction period.

Brian Hurley, owner of Islwyn Crystals, said: "We are appalled at the way it has been handled by the council."

He added: "It has cost me at least several thousand pounds and we think there is a good case for the council beingliable to pay compensation."

The council's chief executive, Malgwyn Davies, has now agreed to meet residents and Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge in October to discuss the problem.

Councillor Etheridge said: "It has been a nightmare for the residents of Hall Street. They have the constant worry of waking up at night and finding their homes flooded.

"They are totally demoralised and it has come to a stage where they have lodged a complaint with the ombudsman.

"They believe they should be entitled to compensation and I fully support their claims."

A spokesman for Caerphilly council said the authority is awaiting the findings of the Ombudsman's report before making any further comment.