Belfast residents whose homes are being flooded regularly have stepped up their campaign to have the problem resolved.

Homeowners in the lower Ormeau area were flooded again during sudden downpours on Friday.

Residents from the area held a protest outside the Water Service building in Belfast City Centre on Tuesday.

They are calling for action to ensure it never happens again.

Residents protested outside Water Service offices

Madonna Ferris said no one should have to live with the problems the flooding brings.

"I'm sick of it, the disease. My children broke out in spots after the last flood.

"And the smell - when you see what's floating in it, coming into your house - nobody should have to put up with it," she said.

Sewage problems

A number of houses were damaged when drains overflowed.

Water and sewage rose from the drains and seeped into their homes.

The same area has been flooded several times in the past.

The Water Service said it hoped to have a new drainage and pumping system in place later this year.

We had crews working right throughout Saturday night and Saturday morning

John Kelly Water Service

Spokesman John Kelly said its staff did the best they could under the conditions.

"We had crews working right throughout Saturday night and Saturday morning and through the weekend, assisting people where appropriate.

"In addition to that, specifically in relation to the lower Ormeau, the investment that was recognised as needed back in August 2000 is currently being carried out."

Belfast Lord Mayor Alex Maskey described the response from the Water Service as "disgraceful".

" I was given these very same assurances in this office six months ago," Mr Maskey said on Tuesday.

"I helped to encourage the residents to support the work going on in that area and this is the thanks they got.

"So I've expressed my anger this morning and despite our efforts to work with the department, their response has been nothing less than disgraceful."