A Scots dad has hit out at a council as sewage water flooded the basement of his barber shop months after a fire at a nearby shop.
Luke Ellis, 34, owns the Sink and Anchor in Edinburgh with his wife, Rachel, 33. The couple opened their business on East Fountainbridge Road in September 2022 but were forced to move in March after a blaze at a local takeaway shop caused significant smoke damage.
As well as cleaning up the mess, the new dad has also been running Sink and Anchor at its temporary home on Bread Street. However, last Friday, Luke said he was disgusted to find his shops had now been flooded with sewage water.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Luke said: "We hadn't even been open for a year and there was the fire. It was obviously stressful and trying to sort out the insurance, now there's stinking sewage water everywhere.
"I've got fire and smoke damage upstairs and sewage damage downstairs. We're completely at a loss."
"We have just had a new baby through IVF, she's 10 weeks old, and just when you think you've made some leeway and things are getting moving again, then there's another obstacle.
"Sometimes it feels like there's just something out there not wanting me to open back up."
"I went into the store to start cleaning up the damage, it already stinks of smoke, but now there's an awful smell of the sewage. It's just sitting there."
After getting plumbers to try and drain the water, it was discovered the issue came from a pipe on the street and Scottish Water would have to tend to it.
However, Scottish Water confirmed they could not gain access to the manhole, but after Edinburgh Live contacted Edinburgh Council the manhole was opened on Thursday, June 15.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Council said the manhole was covered by Caithness flag stone which can be difficult to move. Edinburgh Council has now assisted and Scottish Water can access the drain.
A Scottish Water spokesperson said: "Scottish Water were contacted regarding a blocked sewer last week.
"Our teams attended and found that the manhole cover, which is used to access the sewer, had been shut during footpath works meaning we were unable to gain access.
"We understand that City of Edinburgh council attempted to remove the cover but were unsuccessful.
"Our team have attended site again today with specialist lifting equipment to remove the cover and found that the drain is clear.
"We will attend site again tonight and attempt to jet the sewer from this manhole. However, we believe the blockage may be on private pipework beneath the properties on Lothian Road, which would not be the responsibility of Scottish Water to clear.
"We will continue to keep the affected customer updated."
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