February 8, 2001 16:35: ANGRY pensioner Thomas Collins is claims that a council said it could not help to save his house from flooding.

Mr Collins, 82, and wife Irene, 81, whose home in Sunnyside Road, Chesham, is built over the top of natural water springs, say the water is now just two feet below their floorboards.

There is a hollow space under the floorboards to allow for excess water from the springs but the water has been rising and the couple's garden is already flooded.

The council has now agreed to help the couple.

Mr Collins, said: "We have had to get the help from a neighbour because we were just not sure what to do next.

"The district council has just told us to fill some sandbags but we have had to go and buy the sand ourselves."

He added: "It used to be okay before as the water used to go in the river, but it has been blocked up. There is nothing we can do."

Mrs Collins added: "I moved to this house in 1934, when I was 13 years old. I have lived here on and off all of my life but we have never seen it like this before."

Andy Blaik, emergency planning officer at Chiltern District Council, said: "While we have no legal obligations to give sand bags and protect them against the flood, we will issue them sand bags and we will deliver some to them."

Council spokesman Peter Mudge explained that the couple would probably have been told that it is up to the individual home owner to protect their property.

But he added: "The council realises that this a sad situation and, wherever possible, it will help the public in these conditions."