AN expert's report into repeated flooding from a culvert in Tavistock's Callington Road could give hope to residents who have suffered the problem two Christmas holidays in a row.

A decision to commission such a report came at West Devon's environmental committee meeting last week when members were given an outline of flooding emergencies last month.

Nick Payne, head of environmental services, said an agreement has now been made to make sure the situation at the culvert head, which became blocked with debris, is remedied.

'Expert legal opinion' considered the borough was not responsible for maintenance of the old culvert — that responsibility should lie with South West Water, said Mr Payne.

Roger Collins, head of building services, said the borough stepped in to help during flooding when South West Water refused to attend, claiming it was not their responsibility.

Cllr Dick Eberlie said the council owed it to residents to commission a report into flooding in Callington Road.

'There are at least three causes — surface water run off from the road, silt, rubbish and muck in the culvert and there are strong grounds for believing the water table has been raised.

'We need an independent report that can be made public. This sort of report will also help us with regard to South West Water,' he said.

Cllr Caroline Keane said: 'In my opinion this has been waiting to happen. 'I was there on New Year's day morning — it was a terrible sight.'

She said residents in the area considered it a mistake to build a new estate on land above Boughthayes.

'It annoys me that the developers have taken no action — they have been on that site for six months and nothing was done,' said Cllr Keane.

Cllr Ted Sherrell recommended action against South West Water.

The fact the water company refused to help residents being flooded by turning back a team of workmen 'absolutely shocked' Cllr Sherrell.

'That is the most despicable action from a statutory body I have ever heard in my life,' he said.

In addition to commissioning a report, the committee agreed to further investigate the possibility of legal action against South West Water, consult with the highways department and examine planning permissions in the Boughthayes area.

Paul Breakwell, spokesman for South West Water, said: 'We are still of the opinion that this is a West Devon Borough Council issue.

'However, as a company we would be happy to meet and discuss this to try and find a way forward.'

Bob Gateshill of Corporate Builders Ltd, developer at the Ladygrove estate, accepted flooding was 'terrible' for those involved.

He said his company was working with the borough council to eliminate the risk of flooding in the future.

'No building materials per se from our site ever got into the culvert,' he said.

'On New Year's Eve the weather was so bad it was taking the banks of the stream itself down into the culvert, and being old, I think it's not in the best condition.'