Stinking raw sewage has flowed into the basement car park of two barely completed apartment blocks, forcing residents to wade through the foul sludge for several weeks. Residents at Adelphi Wharf blocks 2 and 3 - a stone’s throw from the University of Salford - are fed up with the problem.
Toby Lynch, 37, is one of the residents affected. “After a number of weeks this place absolutely stinks,” he said. “The sewage water has now started to rise up all the woodwork including five fire doors, which I now believe are not compliant should there be a fire.
“I had my two children over the weekend and instead of asking their mum for summer sandals and crocs for them I had to ask for their wellies to be packed so we could wade through the water upon entering and exiting the car.” Toby has lived in the Adelphi for 18 months and pays £1,200 a month for his two-bedroom apartment.
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Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The car park stinks - it’s vile - and it’s been like that for ages. It’s crazy that in this day and age this can be allowed to happen.”
When the MEN visited the block we saw human faeces on the car park, and there was a strong smell of raw sewage.
The blocks are managed by Xenia Estates. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of a leak within the basement of Adelphi Wharf blocks 2 & 3. On June 5, Xenia Estates received reports of a leak located in the car park, we immediately appointed a plumber to locate the source of the leak and it was discovered that no pipes were damaged or leaking at this time.
“On June 7, the initial investigation indicated that the manholes were backing up, therefore a drain specialist team were required who were appointed the same day.” They said that specialist contractors were on site for a further two days to carry out investigations.
They continued: “On June 9, specifically, it was discovered that pumps one and two were found not to be functioning as expected, thus all manholes were lifted to trace back to the pump chamber and clear all blockages. It was subsequently discovered that an electrical contractor was required to investigate potential issues in the plant room.
“On Tuesday June 13, the electrical contractor appointed by Xenia Estates located a problem and the panel was successfully rewired. However, the problem persisted.
“A dedicated contractor with expertise in plumbing electricals attended the site on Wednesday June 14 and has successfully put a temporary measure in place until a more permanent solution can be found.
“Although the measure currently in place is temporary, it does mean that the function is now working as expected. A Wet Vac will be on site today (Thursday June 15), to commence clean up in the car park.
“Xenia Estates would like to stress that we have had various contractors attending the site daily to resolve the recent issue and that it has been of the utmost priority.
"We acknowledge the resolution for this leak has taken longer than anticipated. This is due to the complex nature of this issue and requiring multi-disciplined contractors to attend.”
Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford Council, said: “We have not received any reports of sewage in the car park from residents but I’m appalled to hear this and we will be investigating how this has happened.
“If this is due to faulty drainage then we will require the management company to take prompt action to repair it."
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