Didcot homeowners have hit out at Thames Water after their road was flooded with sewage for the second time this year.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were forced to clear the drains in Derwent Avenue in Ladygrove after it was submerged with flood water last Sunday evening (June 11).

Some of the water was sewage from a burst manhole which left residue on the road, including tissues and sanitary towels.

READ MORE: Bicester: Girl on electric scooter has near-miss with a car

The road previously flooded in March, but those who live in the area say the issue goes back even further.

Homeowner Chris Jennings said: “Every time it rains heavily, the pumps can’t handle the pressure and it essentially bursts the manhole cover, and sewage and goodness knows what else comes out.

“It’s not good because there is a children’s play area that’s covered in tissues. The little wobble things that the kids stand on is only about 15ft from the manhole cover.

“It’s sewage so it’s definitely a health risk. The fact that it doesn’t get cleaned until a week later means there’s just detritus and tissues and sanitary towels everywhere.

READ MORE: Wallingford: 63 homes plan recommended for refusal

Another resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, has lived on the road for 30 years, and believes the issues started after the Orchard Centre was opened in 2005.

He said: “It’s a great place to live. We have got a good community, and everybody rallies round to help each other. This is the only thing wrong.

“It is just a black cloud – it’s always there. Whenever it starts raining we get worried.

“We just want it fixed.

“Thames Water are meant to clean up every time it overflows. They do nothing whenever you get in contact.

READ MORE: Wantage: Plans for 60 homes on field in Oxfordshire town

“They’re meant to clean it up. It’s only been once that I have seen them with disinfectant out there.”

While not affected this year, the man’s garage has been submerged with up to three inches of sewage on previous occasions, while his house almost flooded in 2007.

He said: “Thames Water have offered us flood barriers, but we said no.

“We would rather you fix the problem rather than have barriers somewhere that is nowhere near a river.”

A Thames Water spokesperson said: "We received reports of flooding at Derwent Avenue in Didcot on Sunday 11 June.

"Our engineers attended the same day and located a manhole which had overflowed due to the heavy rainfall which was pumped away.

"Our teams are currently assessing the manhole in question to ensure the line is free from issues such as problems with the pipe or blockages. Should any defects be located, the necessary repair works will be raised.

"We are sorry to customers who were impacted by the flooding and would like to assure them customer support is available 24/7 on 0800 316 9800."