HAMPTON -- Several residents of North Beach told selectmen Monday night that they're sick and tired of the flooding that occurs in their neighborhood due to lack of drainage.

Tom Bassett, speaking on behalf of 20 neighbors that were at the meeting, said the lack of drainage has been a consistent problem in the area for over 25 years.

"When it rains, our streets flood," Bassett said. "This flooding problem is persistent and continuous."

The area in question -- King's Highway, Greene Street and Gentian Road -- is not only dealing with the tides but also the marsh, wetlands and from the Mill Pond.

He showed selectmen pictures of flooded streets, water up to the doorways of homes and a kid using a boogie board in the "lake" known as Greene Street.

Bassett said flooding in the neighborhood makes it impossible for some residents to get to work and poses a health threat because of the stagnant water.

Department of Public Works Director John Hangen agreed with the residents that its "a deplorable living condition to have the roads flooded by inadequate drainage. But, he added, the problem doesn't only affect North Beach, but the entire town.

"You shouldn't have to live in Hampton and expect to get around in a canoe a few times a year," Hangen said.

Selectmen Rick Griffin said he sees the lack of drainage the biggest problem in town right now.

Selectmen suggested to the North Beach residents they consider putting forth a warrant article to get funds to correct the problem citing the fact that drainage project were in the last budget but were eliminated due to the default budget.

Hangen also added he plans to forward the selectmen a priority list of other areas in town that need drainage.