THE Upton and Vernham Dean area was badly hit by floods last week as the ground water level rose to the surface.

Earlier this week the road between the two villages was still a gushing torrent for most of its length but passable with care.

Cllr John Garbutt, chairman of Vernham Dean Parish Council, said the villages did not have a collective public sewer like St Mary Bourne.

Each property relies instead on sceptic tanks or cesspits with 50 households within the parish unable to use their toilets and relying on portable loos.

Mr Garbutt said: "At least 12 houses in Upton have been flooded internally and I would estimate that up to 10 houses in Vernham Dean have been flooded."

He received reports at the weekend that the water level is showing signs of stabilising, so there are hopes that the flood waters should start to go down.

"The Enviroment Agency has been monitoring the situation for some time, likewise the county council and Test Valley Borough Council," said Mr Garbutt.

"The borough council has been particularly efficient in providing sandbags where needed, but it has to be said that there is not a lot they can do when the ground water rises." The parish council is anxious to ensure with the county council and the Environment Agency that the villages get a greatly improved capability to drain excess water away.

Mr Garbutt added: "We have been pressing the Environment Agency and we will now have to redouble our efforts." A flood action plan has already been drawn up by the parish council in consultation with the Environment Agency. Other areas affected by the floods include Hatherden where water was still flowing along the main street earlier this week.