TRADERS and residents may make compensation claims after a mystery flood forced the closure of a town centre street.

The cost of repairs in Whalley Road and Moor Lane, Clitheroe could run into thousands of pounds.

An investigation is underway to see if building work at the site of a new Sainsbury's store nearby contributed to the problem.

The road was left under four feet of water in places overnight on Thursday and was closed until 5am as firefighters and council staff worked to clear it.

John Lazenby, proprietor of Enterprise Kitchens, said the flood "totally devastated" his showroom.

"Kitchen appliances were left under water. It came right through the door, through the showroom and into offices at the back," he said.

"We will need a complete refit. I'm trying to operate as best I can for the time being."

The sub post-office next door was completely flooded and still closed for business today.

Customers are advised to use Clitheroe's main post office in King Street until further notice.

Disabled householder Donald Hook said his carpets were ruined by floodwater.

"I have a disabled ramp at the front of my home, which kept a lot of the water at bay, or the damage could have been a lot worse," he said. "The water came through the letter box." An Environment Agency spokesman said investigations were continuing and it would be be decided shortly whether to take action.

"We would normally seek to recover our costs from whoever was responsible," he explained.

"We are talking about the cost of the investigation and our officers who worked through the night. It's too early to say how much it will be."

A spokesman for Sainsbury's said construction workers had worked throughout the night to rectify the situation.

"We will make a full investigation into the matter and ensure the developer honours agreements made to those who have been inconvenienced .

"We would like to thank businesses and residents for their patience and understanding at this time," she said.

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