WATER levels in the river Severn may have dropped, but flooding is a major concern for people of a Worcester parish.

At St Peter's Parish Council meeting, new member Tony Lawrence said that he and his wife Judith have only just moved back downstairs in their home at Broomhall Green following the floods of July 2007 - only to be faced with the likelihood of a second disaster when there was heavy rain two weeks ago.

"It's the drainage system," the 68-year-old told the meeting. "The drains come up and the effluent comes up. Quite candidly it's sheer neglect."

Mr Lawrence said that in July up to 18in (45.72cm) of water flooded his home and 10 others in his road. He fears if there are any more incidents, insurance companies will put up their premiums or refuse to insure the properties.

He said the main reason he joined the parish council was to get some action to help people. He believes a blocked culvert running under Broomhall Way, which takes water from a brook at the rear of Broomhall Green, is partially responsible.

Mr Lawrence said homes in the road also flooded 10 years ago.

Worcester city councillor and fellow parish council member Roger Knight said: "The reason Broomhall Green flooded back in July was the sheer volume of water. It was just like a river."

Coun Knight said a contractor is set to check the culvert and a city council engineer is also looking at three drains in Broomhall Green to check if they are blocked.

He said Severn Trent has also put cameras down a drain in Lobelia Close, St Peter's, where one home flooded in the summer.

He said it revealed tree routes were invading the passage, blocking fat and dramatically reduced the flow of water.

Coun Knight said he is meeting with representatives this month to discuss the problem.