RESIDENTS were given the chance on Thursday night to question the public utilities about the flooding that devastated their homes.

Swindon Council, Thames Water and the Environment Agency answered questions put to them by local people at the Civic Offices.

More than 50 residents from across Swindon, including Rodbourne, Pembroke Park, Haydon Wick, South Marston and Covingham crowded into the council chamber to voice their concerns.

The meeting had been called to discuss how responsibility should be shared between the groups during severe weather and to avoid a repeat of the flooding that left many people's homes under water.

The meeting follows complaints by people in Haydon Wick who have been flooded several times.

Coun David Renard (Con, Haydon Wick) asked whether the Environmental Agency and Thames Water were prepared to meet local people to discuss flood defences to avoid this happening again.

Steve Percey from Covingham wanted to know why the water when it fell flooded the area so quickly and disappeared just as rapidly.

He was told it was because Covingham was built on clay so the floodwaters drained away quickly.

Thames Water said it would be in contact with residents and that the investigation to the flooding was still ongoing.

Martin Perrin, who is part of the Decision Support Projects for Thames Water Research and Technology, said: "We had 1,000 employees dealing with the floods in Oxford and Swindon.

"During the floods we were dealing with 6,500 flood and clean up jobs, which is an entire year's worth in just a weekend. It really was a case of all hands to the pump.

"In terms of Haydon Wick when some residents have been flooded six times in 12 months it is very difficult to give a clear definitive answer of what is responsible.

"We have been making checks every six months of the drainage system, by sending cameras down there and have since removed silt and debris.

"We will continue to look at individual cases and try to establish whether the drainage system is adequate."

Flood risk area manager Jeff Bell from the Environment Agency said: "There is no simple solution to the flooding problems in Swindon.

"We will look closely at the River Cole and Acorn Bridge to understand why the water has been getting so close. Flood warnings were sent out the day before the flooding and on the day itself.

"We look to protect our rivers but it is very difficult with the volume of rainwater that fell on that day."

The Environment Agency said out of its team of 50, it only had three workers allocated to Swindon, which meant its resources were stretched.

Both bodies said they would be willing to meet with residents to discuss individual cases of flooding.

Chairman of the scrutiny committee was councillor Kevin Small (Lab, Western).

He said: "We had a good turnout and we thank those people who attended and contributed to the discussion. Both the Environment Agency and Thames Water gave comprehensive explanations and for those unanswered questions they promise to be followed up."

Resident Linda Brown from Haydon Wick said: "We have come here today to get answers and for everyone to stop passing the buck all the time."