THE manager of Nelson's main post office is demanding compensation after it was hit by a flash flood.

Anayat Vally, who owns the franchise for the post office in the former Woolworths store in Place de Creil, Nelson, said the building had suffered around £7,000 worth of damage when the drains became blocked outside the front door.

Mr Vally has kept the post office open since then, but said new carpets had been ruined and the waste water had left a nasty smell inside the shop.

He said: “The drains were blocked when we had a flash thunder storm at around 3.30pm on July 7.

“I got in touch with Pendle Borough Council who were very helpful but it is the county council who are responsible for the town centre drains.

“I have contacted them several times but have struggled to get answers and find out what is happening.

“The damage needs repairing because it is not very pleasant at the moment. The customers have been very understanding though.

“Despite what happened I kept the post office open and kept it going, it is the main post office in the town and people need to use it.”

The county council said they were aware of a claim submitted by Mr Vally.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “Following a flooding incident outside Nelson Post Office, a county council member of staff visited the site.

“Work was carried out to clean out the drains and check for any blockages.

“A claim has since been made to the county council relating to this flooding and we are currently looking into it.

"We cannot comment further at this stage.”