WATER bosses are being asked questions by a council working group investigating floods in the Teesside area.

Homes in Middlesbrough were flooded in June and again last week after heavy rainfall.

"The incidents have highlighted the need for the council to examine all possible preventive measures,'' said Councillors Frances McIntyre, chairwoman of Middlesbrough Council's flood prevention working group.

She said: "Councillors will be discussing Northumbrian Water's response to the recent incidents and what plans they have to invest in the town's sewer and drainage network."

The group will also talk to people affected by recent floods.

Group member Councillor Eleanor Lancaster said: "Given the devastation caused to some homes, it is important for members to understand the full implications of the flooding problems before reaching conclusions."

The group aims to draw up a blueprint for the council and other organisations to avert future flooding problems and to resolve confusion over who should take responsibility for cleaning up after a flood.

A spokeswoman for Northumbrian Water said: "We will listen and contribute to the discussion where we can. The problems last week, we believe, were mainly caused by the very intensive rainfall. There may well be other factors that the council and Northumbrian Water will need to investigate."

The group's findings are expected by the end of next month.