The operation in Ruthin began after downpours at the weekend, just days after the completion of repairs to homes damaged in last autumn's flooding.

Home and cars in Ruthin's 2000 floods

Plans for a �1.5m flood defence scheme to prevent further flooding hitting Mwrog Street and the Borthyn area this winter are not due to be finished until next summer.

Denbighshire County Council has been accused by businesses in the town of not acting quickly enough in the past 12 months to avoid repeated flooding.

Eifion Hughes, vice-chairman of a local flood action committee, said: "This is the third flood that has taken place in 12 months. People are just so frustrated that it has happened again.

"People are so angry."

This is a difficult technical situation and the flood action group have to recognise this

Coun Elwyn Edwards, leader Denbighshire County Council

But council leader Elwyn Edwards said the council had been working hard to try and sort the culvert out once and for all.

The proposed defences focus on diverting the stream water away from Mwrog Street.

The scheme is due to go to consultation at the beginning of November before work begins.

Coun Edwards said the authority hoped to get the Welsh Assembly's support for a short- term scheme for this winter, using pumps to take away excess water from the culvert at Mwrog Street.

Last month, Environment Agency Wales warned that up to 120,000 homes in the country could be at risk of floods if there is a repeat of last year's heavy rain.

At the weekend in Ruthin, the Park Place Hotel bore the brunt of the flood water - inches of mud can be seen outside and inside the pub.

About 20 homes and half a dozen businesses were affected and local people say the recent work on the culvert which runs under the street is too little, too late.

'People are frustrated'

They also say they had no warning of Friday night's flood.

Rhyl was the wettest place in the UK on Friday, receiving 30mm of rain in just over three hours but it is the people of Ruthin who are demanding answers about their prospects for the winter.

Elsewhere in Wales, flooding was reported at Tintern, near Chepstow and a flood warnings were in force for the River Vyrnwy from Llasantffraid to Shrawardine, as well as the Severn from Caerhowel to Trewern and the Afon Clwyd at Ruthin.

Flood watches were also in force for north east Powys area and the Vale of Clwyd.