RSPCA workers in Attleborough have appealed for the community's help after their shop was hit by flooding - again.

Eastern Daily Press: The RSPCA in Attleborough has suffered flooding problems for years. Picture: Tammy ClarkeThe RSPCA in Attleborough has suffered flooding problems for years. Picture: Tammy Clarke (Image: Archant)

Tammy Clarke, retail manager for the shop on Exchange Street, claims that a drain opposite the shop means floodwater often damages the store's carpets and fittings.

The drain responsible is at the entrance of a private road, Griffin Lane, meaning the responsibility for its upkeep falls on residents.

'It's becoming ridiculous. We've had problems years, people can remember problems from 2004 and 2009.

'Because the drain is on a private road no-one can help us and, as the road is slanted, is doesn't affected the people on the private road – just us,' she said.

On Monday, stormy weather saw a surge of muddy floodwater enter the shop.

'This issue is just soul destroying when we are a local, completely independent charity raising funds for local animals with stock donated from local people,' she said.

Although the issue is outside of their control, Norfolk County Council agreed to visit the property and clear the drain.

Paul Sellick, from Norfolk County Council's Highways Department, said: 'Unfortunately the gulley which gets blocked after heavy rainfall is located on a privately owned road. Therefore, this does fall outside the scope of our normal routine highway maintenance and we would not be able to add this to our drainage contractor's gulley emptying schedule.'

But Mrs Clarke is fearful for the future - and has sent letters to those living nearby to appeal for their help.

'It will happen again. We are stuck, and are desperate for someone's help,' she said.

Do you have an Attleborough story for us? Contact reporter Lauren Cope on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk