They have complained to Wokingham Borough Council bosses and the developers because they are worried about flooding.

Championing their cause is Prospective Parliamentary Candidate (Lib Dem) for Wokingham, Clive Jones.

Mr Jones, from Lower Earley, says that residents at risk live in Redhatch Drive, adjacent to Sibley Park, the site of 90 new houses.

Mr Jones said: “Councillors do not appear to have done much for the families in Redhatch Drive although the old ditch already shows signs of flooding.

“A wet winter forecast for the next three months could prove to be very distressing for people living near the ditch.

“Why they have filled it in is a mystery that baffles everybody, because that is where rain water is supposed to go. It could be that the developers are trying to give newcomers to the estate a bigger garden.”

His support has been welcomed by Stewart and Judith Campbell, of Redhatch Drive. Mr Campbell said: “The builders laid a drainage pipe in the old ditch after filling it in, but that has proved to be worse than useless, because water is pouring out of the ground already and has waterlogged a nearby garden.”

Ian Menham, managing director of Persimmon Homes and Charles Church Thames Valley, said: “Our contractors recently installed a 300mm diameter pipe in part of the open ditch at the boundary of the site adjacent to the Redhatch Copse.

“The pipe has the same capacity as the other sections of the culverted ditch.

“The drainage strategy for the development has been approved by Thames Water, however, we have instructed our drainage engineer, with the council’s consultant, WSP, to investigate and address any concerns.”

Cllr Angus Ross, executive member for the environment, said the council has asked the developers for a solution before any further work gets approval.

He said: “The pipe was too small and we await the outcome of the drainage engineer’s investigation. We are also discussing the matter with planning officers. The best solution would appear to be reinstating the ditch.”.