Betty Scarboro, who lives on Beaverdam Road in Canton, keeps a watchful eye on the small creek that runs adjacent to her property when it rains.

A thunderstorm Wednesday poured heavy rain into the creek, which quickly backed up into her back yard all the way to her neighbor’s driveway.

It’s an issue that has continued to worsen since the Industrial Park was built above her home and since NCDOT widened Beaverdam Road.

“Through the years, the silt washing down has filled it up, and we’re told we’re not allowed to clean it out,” Scarboro said.

Debris and sediment deposited in the creek backs up the water during heavy rainfall and Scarboro fears it will eventually come into her basement.

“We have fought this battle for years,” said Janice Parham, whose mother is Scarboro’s neighbor. “I can’t ...