A 67-year-old man says he has battled for 10 years to have a ditch unblocked that could have helped to prevent his home from being flooded.

Anthony Pevreall, of Thurlands Drove, Upwell, was a victim of the floods in the village on August 8.

Mr Pevreall, who cares for his disabled wife, Norma, 66, said that the stress of his campaign caused him to have a heart attack two months ago.

Mr Pevreall said: “All I want is for the draining system to be freed for everyone. I have a permanent pump out the back pumping water as well as other houses. I don’t want to pay for my house to be repaired unless the threat of flooding is lifted.”

Graham Brown, Norfolk County Council flood and water manager, said: “We are aware of the problems at Upwell following recent heavy rain and, as lead flood authority, we are going to carry out a formal investigation.

“This will form part of a wider investigation into surface water flooding in West Norfolk during August, when a number of homes and other buildings were flooded.

“As lead flood authority, the county council will look into the causes of the flooding, including drainage responsibilities in the area, and will be talking to local residents and councillors as part of this work.

“Ahead of this formal investigation into the flooding affecting Thurlands Drove, we’ve already been in touch with the local Needham and Laddus Internal Drainage Board and the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk to try to get the matter resolved as swiftly as possible.”