Staff at a water complaints company are fighting to get compensation for residents after dozens of homes were flooded following a water surge in a Mid Wales town.Supplies had to be cut off to homes and several elderly residents had to be temporarily rehoused following the shock floods which hit Knighton last month.

The Consumer Council for Water Wales is now investigating after receiving calls from concerned residents.

Council policy manager Gaynor Nelson said: “We’ve been contacted and are now aware of the situation in Knighton. We will be speaking to Welsh Water to resolve the problem.”

She said the council would be doing all it could to help residents get compensation for their ordeal.

Welsh Water said investigations had found there had been a technical problem with a pressure-reducing valve on their network.

They have assured residents the problem will not happen again.

Tenants in Mid Wales Housing and Powys County Council properties in Y Bwythyn, Jubilee Close and Laurels Meadow were among the worst affected.

One resident Shirley Evans, from Y Bwythyn, said the water surge had damaged her living room, kitchen and hallway.

The 71-year-old said today: “I moved back in within a day or so because the temporary accommodation I was offered wasn’t big enough for me and my dog.

“We’ve been living in my bedroom while work on the other areas of the flat have been ongoing.

Residents are now being urged to contact the Consumer Council for Water Wales on 02920 239852.