THE maintenance of a stream which overflowed and caused flooding to several homes in Tadley is to be discussed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the Environment Agency.

Several homes in Elmhurst Way were damaged after Bishopswood stream, which was blocked with foliage, was unable to cope during heavy rainstorms on July 20.

One home was filled waist-deep with water.

Tony Curtis, the council's chief executive, confirmed that the authority owned the section of stream on land between Guttridge Lane and Barlows Road.

The maintenance of remaining sections of the stream rests with presently unknown owners of its banks, known as riparian owners.

He said that since 2006, the Environment Agency had undertaken responsibility for repairing and inspecting the stream.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said that it had a responsibility to clear the stream once a year, and works for 2007 had been scheduled to take place in September or October.

Mr Curtis said: "The council is due to meet with the Environment Agency to understand how the remaining areas of the stream in this area are maintained. This is to ensure that, wherever possible, any future flooding situations are avoided, and, if they do happen, are dealt with in the most appropriate way.

"We also want to see that the riparian owners of several parts of the stream are identified to ensure that those people know what their responsibilities are. It is possible that in some cases this will be local residents who own properties near to the stream.

"We sympathise with the individuals who have suffered as a result of the flooding, but are not in a position to clear up their properties.

"However, residents who have been affected by the floods can contact us for advice if they do not have appropriate home insurance or are in housing need."