COUNCIL officials have finally promised to take action over a problem drain.

The blockage causes the busy Woodland Road in Darlington to flood, and has caused misery for pedestrians and bus passengers for several years.

The water quickly pools after heavy rain and can spread almost to the centre of the road.

Local businesses say they have made repeated requests to Darlington Borough Council to solve the long-running flooding problems, which happen right next to a bus shelter

Tony Ward, from the nearby Denture Clinic, said the problem worsened after resurfacing work was carried out a few years ago.

He said: "You see people getting drenched all the time. Sometimes it's accidental. But the other day someone in a van absolutely drenched two people. They were absolutely furious."

The Samaritans also has offices nearby and have made repeated requests to the council to get the problem fixed.

Catherine, a Samaritans volunteer, said: "I think it's a disgrace, you get mothers with young kids out there. A few cars deliberately try and splash people."

Richard Cramner, the managing director of Darlington bus company Green Bus, said: "It's something I would like to see sorted. We are having to stop in different places to avoid the puddles and make sure people can get off and on without getting wet."

A Darlington council spokesman said action was being taken.

He said: "We tried to clear it with high-pressure jets, which hasn't worked, so we are going to consider having to dig the drain up. It is clear that it is a fairly major blockage. We have been talking to utility companies and have now set the ball in motion."