A TORRENT of water raced down a hillside and flooded a business park ruining thousands of pounds worth of stock.
Staff working at units in Colne Valley Business Park, in Manchester Road, Linthwaite, were shocked when water rushed into their yard without warning.
The murky water was more than 2ft deep in some parts and left five businesses cleaning up.
Hoyle House Beck overflowed after water that was used to clean filters at Blackmoorfoot Reservoir was allowed to run into it.
The beck runs under the building formerly known as Spring Grove Mill.
It is the second time this year the water has risen in the beck after works at the reservoir.
Malcolm Senior, owner of M&R Rags, said it could take him weeks to properly clean up.
"They used to tell us when they would be doing the cleaning so we knew and could get the drainage right," he said.
"It is the second time this year we have had problems.
"I may only deal in rags but I have probably lost a couple of thousand pounds' worth of stock because of these floods.
"When you add that to the cost of clearing it up and getting all the stock in skips it really mounts up."
Site caretaker Douglas Brasher said the problems began about five years ago.
He said: "I have rung Yorkshire Water myself on many occasions but no-one seems to work together and nothing gets done.
"I feel sorry for the people who have lost stock. I am sure this could easily be sorted out if everyone just worked together."
A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: "We are sorry to hear businesses have been affected by our regular scouring process.
"We have to test the scouring valves on our reservoirs twice a year to meet operating regulations. We faxed details of the testing dates to the Colne Valley Business Park but, on this occasion, as we had difficulties getting through, we also made a telephone call and the information on the scouring test was passed on verbally.
"Yorkshire Water is keen to ensure there is no repeat of the flooding and would be willing to discuss any problems with the owners of the mill or with the businesses which have been affected."
