HOMEOWNERS were left clearing up raw sewage this morning after a thunderstorm caused drains to overflow and flooded roads, gardens and driveways.

Houses in Britford Lane, Harnham were among those affected with some residents close to having their homes flooded.

Mum-of-three Emily Griffiths said: "We didn't realise until this morning - we woke up to find pooey water and paper all over our driveway and through to the garden.

"It's really gross - while we were clearing it up, we discovered our neighbours were in the same situation.

"Our manhole cover was lifted up by the pressure from where the drain was so full under ground.

"I have given it a really good wash down but it's difficult when it's in the grass so I'm having to keep the children indoors on what is a nice sunny day."

Tom and Judy Coombes were woken up just after midnight with the sound of 'bubble bubble' coming from their  toilet.

Mr Coombes said: "It was air bubbles coming up where it was all backing up in the sewer.

"When I looked out my back door, I discovered the water was half an inch lower than the sill - it was like a river all over the driveway.

"I was going to call the fire brigade but fortunately within about five minutes the rain stopped and it drained away leaving behind mud and sewage.

"We could smell it as soon as we opened the door."

The lane is next to land where there are plans for 100 properties and residents say the problems they experienced with flooding last night show why the development should not go ahead.

Mr Coombes said: "If the sewer down the lane can't take the existing water, what's going to happen when they create extra houses on those two fields?"

And Mrs Griffiths said: "We know we are pretty vulnerable in this extreme weather because we are in a low-lying area - we know that this area suffers badly when the rain comes down but it shows if you put more houses on this area of Salisbury, the problems will get far worse."

The Longford Estate and St Nicholas Hospital want to develop 100 properties on two fields at the corner of New Bridge Road and Britford Lane.

* The Chapel Nightclub in Salisbury was also flooded in the storm with managing director Amanda Newbery saying they needed electricians, carpet cleaners and builders to help with the clean up of the club, which will, after a "brilliant staff effort" and the hire of new sound equipment, be open tonight.