IT HAS been eight months since floods forced residents to leave more than 80 properties in a Basingstoke suburb – but last week, the first of many were delighted to return home.

A total of 87 homes were evacuated in Grampian Way, Exmoor Close, Bodmin Close, Antrim Close, Prescelley Close, Quantock Close, Sperrin Close and Holyrood Court, in the Buckskin area, after February 8 when the properties were hit by flooding.

An independent report published by Hampshire County Council in July revealed that a dormant spring, which became active, was part of the reason the area flooded, and experts concluded that surface water drainage needed to be reviewed.

Denise Walker, 63, and her husband Mike, 66, moved back to their rented three-bedroom bungalow, in Bodmin Close, last Thursday.

Mike is currently battling a brain tumour and has to take 150 tablets a week, and have four injections a day.

The couple have endured a chaotic year after staying in a Basingstoke hotel for 97 days then moving to a temporary bungalow in Buckingham Court, Buckskin.

Grandmother-of-six Mrs Walker told The Gazette that she was “apprehensive” about moving back into their Buckskin home, saying: “I am pleased to get back into my home but I don’t want the flooding to happen again.

“I have had no reassurance that it is not going to happen again. They have had from March until now to decide whether to put more drainage or pumping in but nothing has been decided.”

Husband Mike added: “It is marvellous to be back and our grandchildren can stay now. We have come back because we love the property and the community, and it is easy for us to get to the shops. It has taken a little bit of time but it is so nice in there so I am pleased.”

There were angry scenes however as Mrs Walker confronted Councillor Stephen Reid, Hampshire County Councillor for Basingstoke North West, about what she feels is a lack of action.

The mother-of-two told Cllr Reid: “I have got a disabled husband and I can’t go through this again. It has been horrendous. I can’t put him through that again.”

Cllr Reid told The Gazette that he is looking at a range of options but added: “If I say no it is not going to flood again, I would be lying. There are no means of knowing.”

In all, 14 families have confirmed that they will return to their Sovereign Housing Association homes. Sovereign has said that all the families will be back in their homes by Christmas.