A Nottinghamshire dad has criticised a local council after he claimed sewage flooded into his family's home three times. Luke Towle, 34, his wife Kerry, 37, and their two children have had their council home on Inham Road, Chilwell flood three times over the last month.
The flat was first flooded by faulty pipework in early June, then a second time, and then for a third time last weekend (July 8). The couple have said waste and sewage seeped into their home each time, ruining photos and books with sentimental value and forcing them to replace carpets and other items.
"We were told the pipework was damaged recently, but there hasn't been a lot of urgency to repair it. It has damaged a lot of our children's and our belongings and I've had to replace all of the carpets because of the damp and water damage," Mr Towle said.
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Despite them now being told the issue should stop, the pair are worried the leaks will continue and have criticised what they see as a lack of urgency from landlord Broxtowe Borough Council. "It has got to the point now that we are scared to go away from the house - because of what could happen. But it is also disgusting what has happened to it because of the leaks, so it's not a good place to live," Mr Towle added.
"We feel like there hasn't been enough urgency with the repairs. Even after they've said it is fixed now, it wasn't the last two times - they've not apologised or nothing."
A council spokesperson said it takes all reports of property issues seriously. "Broxtowe Borough Council takes all reports of leaks in our properties seriously, we understand that dealing with a leak is a difficult situation.
"Outside of office hours we provide an out of hours service to deal with matters such as this, and will respond promptly to reports. Issues with leaks can sometimes be linked to external drainage, or pipework that is not the responsibility of the Council.
"In these situations we will liaise with external contracts and other agencies to provide a resolution to the problem. On the rare occasion where tenants are left without facilities, the Council will arrange for temporary facilities to be provided."
