Householders have been forced to flee their homes, claiming a new development has left them swimming in water, sewage and mud.

Three neighbours in Clayton Heights blame developers building 400 homes on their doorstep for the rivers of mud that "poured and bubbled" up from their living rooms and kitchens.

The families, of Highgate Road, are now all living in rented accommodation and hotels as they flee the water.

Builders Barratt Leeds are preparing the development land - which used to be Brayshaw Reservoir - for the new housing.

The flood victims hold Barratt responsible because, they claim, land was altered so that it slopes down towards the houses.

A ditch, which the residents claim Barratt put across the back of their homes to trap water, was partly filled in to allow trucks to cross.

Barratt today refused to comment about the flooding.

But one of the angry residents, Margaret Faulding, a retired chef, told how the flooding came from nowhere.

"I was watching television when I noticed what looked like spilt coffee on the floor," she said.

"In the kitchen it was as if someone had struck oil, there was thick sludge bubbling out of the floor.

"Within a minute, the entire cottage floor was covered by water a foot high at least. It was under the floor boards which was five foot in total.

"I have not saved one item of furniture and the whole house has been gutted. The sewage drains backed up and the smell was terrible."

Mrs Faulding has lived in her home for 25 years and has never seen a flood before. Neighbour Brian Powe turned off the mains to his and Mrs Faulding's cottages. His listed cottage is 400 years old.

"There was nothing we could do, it was running like a river through the house," he said.

"It even took off some of the yellow lines on the road.

"All my walls are damp with contaminated water. I need a new bathroom, kitchen, new walls. Everything has been ruined. It feels like we have been burgled."

He hopes to move back in within six months.

Gareth and Alison Owen have lived in hotels then rented accommodation since the flooding.

Mr Owen said: "There are some things which money cannot replace."

The couple filmed the flooding, which the residents hope to use as evidence in a civil action against Barratt Leeds.

Their solicitor, Ian Holdsworth of On Legal, feels they have a good case against the developers.

Ward councillors have also become involved.

Councillor Stuart Hanson (Con, Queensbury) said: "The water flowed off Barratt's land where they are doing groundwork and flooded the houses to a depth of 5ft.

"I have spoken to people at Barratt who say they will not accept responsibility."

Councillor Andrew Smith (Con, Queensbury) added: "It is a coincidence if this is not as a consequence of Barratts' works."