FEARS are growing that old and poorly maintained pipes could lead to flooding this winter.

Brent Council is worried there may be problems with drains in the borough, meaning workers could be called out to clear up large puddles of water on streets and roads.

Operations like these cost around £100,000 a year, and council officers believe Thames Water could help address the problem by better maintaining the sewer system in the area.

They say storm conditions may even result in water pressure blowing out manhole covers.

Councillor Daniel Brown, responsible for highways and transportation, said: “The council is responsible for maintaining gullies and gutters but Thames Water maintains the sewers.

“We're repeatedly dealing with secondary flooding, which I suspect is a result of ancient sewer pipes and I've asked Thames Water to explain.

“Even pipes installed in the 1920s or 30s can be as small as nine inches in diameter and struggle to cope with the level of development since that time.

“Residents are understandably angry, having suffered damage to cars, property and personal possessions. They have also seen their insurance premiums rocket in the areas affected.”